Antonelli wins Italian GP with stunning comeback from 19th

Monza erupted in pure scarlet-and-silver bedlam on Sunday as Kimi Antonelli orchestrated an electric, fairytale comeback at the Temple of Speed. Storming from 19th to first, the teenage sensation sliced through the field, survived a heart-in-mouth gravel excursion, and passed teammate George Russell late on to claim historic glory at the Italian Grand Prix, round 13 of the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship. It was Mercedes' first win at Monza since 2021 and a moment the home crowd will never forget.

Why it matters:

Antonelli's victory is a watershed moment for Mercedes and for Italian motorsport. It ends a long drought for a home winner at Monza and injects fresh energy into the title race, with the Silver Arrows now firmly established as contenders.

The details:

• Antonelli started 19th and methodically picked off cars, with the decisive overtake on Russell coming in the closing laps.
• A high-speed gravel moment threatened to derail his charge, but he kept his cool and continued.
• George Russell completed a Mercedes 1-2, while Max Verstappen took third for Red Bull.
• Charles Leclerc's home race ended in heartbreak as he crashed out of the Ferrari SF-26.
• Pierre Gasly led the early laps from the start, and Sebastian Vettel delighted the tifosi by driving the 2002 Ferrari F2002 in a demo run.

What's next:

The championship moves to the next round with Mercedes carrying significant momentum. For Antonelli, this breakthrough win could be the springboard for a serious title challenge.