The Mercedes driver won the 2026 Italian Grand Prix after a spectacular comeback from 19th on the grid, becoming the first Italian to win at Monza in 60 years.
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Antonelli Makes History at Monza: First Italian to Win at Home in 60 Years
Andrea Kimi Antonelli wrote one of the most special chapters in the recent history of Formula 1.
The last time a home driver had celebrated on the top step of the podium at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza was in 1966, when Ludovico Scarfiotti claimed victory behind the wheel of a Ferrari. Six decades later, Antonelli ended the wait in front of the tifosi, who celebrated the young Italian’s historic achievement.
From 19th to Glory at Monza
The weekend appeared to have become an uphill battle for Antonelli before the race even started. The Italian received a grid penalty for changes to his power unit, forcing him to start from 19th, while his teammate and main championship rival, George Russell, lined up on the front row.
But the championship leader produced a spectacular comeback. Antonelli gained seven positions during the opening stages and continued charging through the field after the race was stopped by a red flag following Charles Leclerc’s accident.
The fight for victory eventually turned into a battle between the two Mercedes drivers. The decisive moment came during a Virtual Safety Car, when the team opted to split its strategies: Antonelli came into the pits and switched to fresher tires, while Russell stayed out on track.
The decision paid off. With greater pace in the closing laps, Antonelli made up the lost ground, caught his teammate and eventually overtook him with four laps remaining to complete an unforgettable comeback.
Antonelli Ends a 60-Year Wait
The victory carried special significance for Italian motorsport. Since Scarfiotti’s triumph in 1966, no Italian driver had managed to win his home race at Monza.
It was also Antonelli’s seventh victory of the 2026 season and one of the most important wins of his young career. The Italian was also voted Driver of the Day by the fans after charging from 19th to the top step of the podium.
Mercedes completed a nearly perfect afternoon with Russell finishing second, while Max Verstappen, driving for Red Bull, took third place. Lando Norris brought his McLaren home in fourth, ahead of teammate Oscar Piastri.
For Ferrari, however, the home celebration ended far from what the team had hoped for. Leclerc was forced to retire following his accident in the opening laps, while Lewis Hamilton finished sixth.
Antonelli Lands Another Blow in the Championship Fight
The result also represents a huge step forward for Antonelli in his pursuit of the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship. The Mercedes driver moved to 267 points and extended his advantage over Russell, who sits second with 201, to 66 points.
After conquering Monza and delivering Italy a victory that had been 60 years in the making, Antonelli will head into the next round of the calendar as the championship leader: the Spanish Grand Prix, which will be held at the new Madring circuit in Madrid.
