Antonelli Goes From P19 to Victory at Monza

Kimi Antonelli has produced a sensational comeback to win the 2026 Italian Grand Prix, charging from 19th on the grid to victory in front of his home crowd at Monza.

The Mercedes driver started near the back after receiving a power-unit-related grid penalty, but carved his way through the field before hunting down team-mate George Russell in the closing stages.

Antonelli eventually crossed the line 3.857 seconds ahead of Russell, with Max Verstappen completing the podium for Red Bull.

P19 on the grid. P1 at the chequered flag.

Monza belonged to Kimi Antonelli.

Incredible Charge Through the Field

Antonelli wasted little time beginning his recovery.

After Charles Leclerc's early crash triggered a red flag, the Italian had already climbed to P12. Once racing resumed, he continued attacking and rapidly moved through the leading group.

By Lap 18, Antonelli had completed the first phase of his extraordinary recovery by overtaking Russell for the lead at Turn 1.

The Mercedes drivers then traded positions as different strategies came into play, setting up a dramatic fight for victory.

Mercedes Strategy Sets Up Late Showdown

A mid-race Virtual Safety Car became an important part of the outcome.

Antonelli took advantage of the caution to switch onto fresher medium tyres, while Russell remained on used hard tyres. As Russell's rubber deteriorated, Antonelli began closing the gap.

With five laps remaining, the Italian was right behind his team-mate.

Antonelli briefly ran through the gravel while attacking at the first chicane, but recovered immediately.

Then came the decisive move.

Antonelli passed Russell between Lesmo 2 and Ascari on Lap 50 and disappeared up the road.

Antonelli Makes Italian F1 History

The victory was about much more than another 25 championship points.

Antonelli became the first Italian driver to win the Italian Grand Prix at Monza since Ludovico Scarfiotti in 1966, ending a remarkable 60-year wait for a home Formula 1 victory.

It was also the 50th Formula 1 victory achieved by an Italian driver.

For a 20-year-old racing in front of his home supporters, the circumstances could hardly have been more dramatic.

An Italian driver. An Italian Grand Prix. A comeback from P19.

Championship Lead Grows to 66 Points

Antonelli's Monza masterclass also delivered a major boost to his championship ambitions.

The Mercedes star has now claimed seven victories from the opening 13 races of 2026, extending his championship advantage over Russell to 66 points.

Russell acknowledged after the race that his team-mate deserves to be leading the championship, while Antonelli remained cautious about declaring the title battle finished.

The result nevertheless puts Antonelli in an increasingly commanding position.

A Monza Comeback to Remember

Winning your home Grand Prix is special.

Winning it after starting 19th makes Antonelli's achievement one of the standout drives of the 2026 Formula 1 season.

Russell finished second, Verstappen third, while Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri completed the top five for McLaren.

For Winbox Racing, Antonelli's performance at Monza was another huge statement from a driver rapidly establishing himself as the man to beat in the 2026 championship.

From almost the back of the grid to the top step in front of the Italian fans.

P19. 53 laps. P1.

Kimi Antonelli just delivered a Monza comeback for the history books.

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