Kimi Antonelli Storms From 19th to Win Italian GP as Russell Finishes Second

Posted : 07 September 2026

Kimi Antonelli produced one of the standout drives of the 2026 Formula 1 season by recovering from 19th on the grid to win the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. The Mercedes driver passed team-mate George Russell in the closing stages to secure his seventh victory of the season and strengthen his position at the top of the Drivers' Championship.

Antonelli started from the back after Mercedes installed a new power unit that triggered a grid penalty. Despite the setback, the Italian made rapid progress through the field and remained competitive throughout the 53-lap race at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza.

Russell led the race for Mercedes for long periods and appeared on course for victory after starting second behind surprise pole-sitter Pierre Gasly. However, a Virtual Safety Car created an important strategic moment; Antonelli pitted for fresh medium tyres while Russell remained on used hard tyres. The difference in tyre performance became decisive late in the race.

Antonelli eventually caught Russell and completed the decisive pass in the closing laps. He briefly ran through the gravel while attacking his team-mate, but recovered to take the chequered flag around four seconds ahead of Russell. Max Verstappen finished third for Red Bull Racing.

The result was a major boost for Antonelli's championship campaign. The Italian arrived at Monza leading Russell by 59 points, and his home victory extended his advantage as the title battle enters its later stages. Antonelli now has 267 points, while Russell sits second on 201. Lewis Hamilton remains third on 191 points, with Lando Norris fourth on 171.

McLaren's Norris finished fourth after beating Oscar Piastri in their team battle. Piastri had started sixth after receiving a three-place grid penalty for impeding Liam Lawson during qualifying.

Hamilton finished sixth for Ferrari after team-mate Charles Leclerc crashed heavily at the final corner on the second lap. Leclerc's retirement denied Ferrari a strong result at its home race, while Gasly dropped from pole position to seventh after Alpine struggled to maintain its qualifying pace over race distance.

The Italian Grand Prix also featured retirements for Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll. Alonso suffered suspected car damage, while Stroll stopped with a hydraulics problem.

Antonelli's victory was particularly significant for Italian fans. He became the first Italian driver in 60 years to stand on the top step of the podium at Monza, completing a remarkable home-race comeback after starting 19th.

Kimi Antonelli Storms From 19th to Win Italian GP as Russell Finishes Second

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