Kimi Antonelli Comes From 19th to Win Sensational Home Italian Grand Prix
Kimi Antonelli produced one of the most remarkable comeback drives of the 2026 Formula 1 season, charging from 19th on the grid to victory at Monza in the Italian Grand Prix on September 6, 2026.
🏆 Historic Victory
The 20-year-old Mercedes driver became the first Italian to win the Italian Grand Prix at Monza since Ludovico Scarfiotti in 1966, ending a 60-year wait for a home Italian winner.
Antonelli started 19th because of a power-unit penalty. Despite the huge disadvantage, he quickly moved through the field and eventually fought his Mercedes teammate George Russell for the lead.
🥇 Italian GP Podium
- Kimi Antonelli – Mercedes 🏆
- George Russell – Mercedes
- Max Verstappen – Red Bull Racing
- Lando Norris – McLaren
- Oscar Piastri – McLaren
Antonelli made the decisive move on Russell in the closing laps, using fresher tyres to take the lead and secure his seventh victory of the 2026 season.
🇮🇹 A Dream Day at Monza
The victory was especially significant because Antonelli is Italian and was racing in front of the passionate Tifosi at Monza. His win also strengthened his position at the top of the Drivers’ Championship, with his advantage over Russell increasing to 66 points.
🚨 Ferrari Disappointment
Ferrari’s home race ended in disappointment. Charles Leclerc crashed early in the race, causing a red flag, although he was able to walk away from the incident. Lewis Hamilton finished sixth.
⭐ Why This Win Matters
Antonelli’s 19th-to-1st drive is one of the standout comeback performances in recent F1 history. Only John Watson had previously won an F1 race from farther back, taking victory from 22nd at the 1983 United States Grand Prix West.
In short: Antonelli turned a power-unit penalty and a 19th-place start into a historic home victory, a Mercedes 1–2, and a significantly stronger championship position.
