Motorsports

Mercedes’ Antonelli Conquers Monza

Published

35 minutes ago

September 7, 2026

Kimi Antonelli charged from the back of the grid to win the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday, giving the Mercedes driver his first home victory at Monza.

Mercedes’ Italian driver Kimi Antonelli holds his trophy as he celebrates with his team members after winning the Italian Formula One Grand Prix at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza circuit in Monza, northern Italy on September 6, 2026. (Photo by Marco BERTORELLO)

The 20-year-old Italian held off teammate George Russell to claim his seventh win of the season and extend his championship lead to 66 points.

Antonelli also became the first Italian to win the country’s Formula One race since Ludovico Scarfiotti in 1966.

Mercedes’ Italian driver Kimi Antonelli celebrates after winning the Italian Formula One Grand Prix at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza circuit in Monza, northern Italy on September 6, 2026. (Photo by Andrej ISAKOVIC)

Max Verstappen finished third for Red Bull, followed by McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Lewis Hamilton took sixth place to give Ferrari supporters something to celebrate.

The race was stopped early after Hamilton’s teammate Charles Leclerc crashed heavily on the second lap.

Mercedes’ Italian driver Kimi Antonelli competes during the Italian Formula One Grand Prix at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza circuit in Monza, northern Italy on September 6, 2026. (Photo by Andrej ISAKOVIC)

Leclerc lost control of his Ferrari at the exit of the Parabolica, crossed the gravel and hit the tyre barriers side-on. The two-time Monza winner climbed from the car and appeared shaken but unhurt.

Russell led at the red flag after passing Alpine pole-sitter Pierre Gasly.

Antonelli had started 19th after exceeding his permitted number of power unit changes. He was already up to 12th before the stoppage and continued to work his way through the field after the restart.

Mercedes’ mechanics prepare Mercedes’ Italian driver Kimi Antonelli’s car in the pits prior to the first practice session of the Italian Formula One Grand Prix at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza circuit in Monza, northern Italy on September 4, 2026. (Photo by Marco BERTORELLO)

He reached the lead for the first time on lap 18, setting up a close battle with Russell.

A virtual safety car on lap 29 allowed Antonelli to change to fresh medium tyres without losing as much time. Russell remained on hard tyres and saw his 15-second advantage rapidly disappear.

Antonelli made an unsuccessful attempt to pass on lap 49 but completed the move one lap later. He controlled the final three laps to take the chequered flag and deliver a landmark victory in front of his home crowd.