Antonelli Wins Italian GP from 19th, Makes History at Monza
AM730 · 2 SOURCES1 day ago4 MIN
Summary
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli (安東尼利) achieved a historic victory at the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday, September 6, 2026, at Monza circuit. Starting from 19th position due to an engine penalty, the 20-year-old Italian delivered a remarkable comeback, becoming the first home driver to win at Monza since Ludovico Scarfiotti in 1966. His victory marks the second-greatest starting position comeback in Formula 1 history, surpassed only by Vandoorne's 1983 Long Beach win from 22nd .
Key Points
- Antonelli started 19th after Mercedes received a penalty for using excess engine components beyond the permitted allocation, with only Albon, Alonso, and Lawson behind him .
- Pierre Gasly took his maiden pole position in his 191st race, the second-most attempts before a first F1 pole in history .
- A crash by Charles Leclerc on lap 3 triggered a red flag, giving Antonelli time to recover to 7th when racing resumed .
- A virtual safety car on lap 26, caused by Lance Stroll's retirement, allowed Antonelli to pit for fresh tires while teammate Russell stayed out, enabling the overtake .
- The Italian leads the drivers' championship with 267 points, 66 ahead of Russell (201) and 76 clear of Hamilton (191) .
Why It Matters
Antonelli's victory signals a potential shift in the F1 power balance as Mercedes builds momentum against Red Bull, with Verstappen finishing third at Monza. The young Italian's breakthrough win at his home circuit establishes him as a legitimate title contender in only his second full season, echoing the early dominance of legendary drivers .
Antonelli's victory signals a potential shift in the F1 power balance as Mercedes builds momentum against Red Bull, with Verstappen finishing third at Monza. The young Italian's breakthrough win at his home circuit establishes him as a legitimate title contender in only his second full season, echoing the early dominance of legendary drivers .