Kimi Antonelli strengthened his position at the top of the 2026 Formula 1 drivers’ championship with a remarkable victory at the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday, fighting back from 19th on the grid to win at Monza.
The 20-year-old Mercedes driver had started from the back after receiving a 30-place grid penalty for taking an engine change between races. Despite the setback, Antonelli produced an outstanding drive on home soil, slicing through the field before eventually catching and passing team-mate George Russell in the closing stages.
Russell finished second, while Max Verstappen secured the final podium position after successfully defending against the two McLaren drivers. Lando Norris finished fourth, just ahead of championship rival Oscar Piastri in fifth.
Lewis Hamilton endured another difficult afternoon for Ferrari, crossing the line in sixth. The result added to a disappointing home race for the Italian team, particularly after Charles Leclerc suffered a major crash on the second lap that brought out the red flags.
Yuki Tsunoda also managed to score a point by finishing 10th for Racing Bulls. The Japanese driver, competing in only his second race of the season, was initially at risk of losing the position following an investigation into an alleged start procedure violation.
Tsunoda had reportedly lined up in the wrong grid box during the restart following the red flag. His mistake forced the field to complete an additional formation lap, potentially exposing him to a significant post-race penalty.
However, the FIA stewards ultimately ruled in Tsunoda’s favour. They determined that he had moved into the correct position and therefore was not responsible for a breach of the relevant regulations. As a result, he retained 10th place and his championship point, moving ahead of Lance Stroll, Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas in the standings.
2026 Italian Grand Prix – Final Classification
- Kimi Antonelli – Mercedes — Winner
- George Russell – Mercedes — +3.857s
- Max Verstappen – Red Bull — +14.718s
- Lando Norris – McLaren — +19.056s
- Oscar Piastri – McLaren — +19.253s
- Lewis Hamilton – Ferrari — +24.655s
- Pierre Gasly – Alpine — +27.351s
- Arvid Lindblad – Racing Bulls — +45.136s
- Franco Colapinto – Alpine — +47.353s
- Yuki Tsunoda – Racing Bulls — +58.187s
- Gabriel Bortoleto – Audi — +1:05.187s
- Nico Hulkenberg – Audi — +1:06.187s
- Carlos Sainz – Williams — +1:14.117s
- Liam Lawson – Red Bull — +1:15.609s
- Esteban Ocon – Haas — +1:18.958s
- Oliver Bearman – Haas — +1 lap
- Alex Albon – Williams — +1 lap
- Sergio Perez – Cadillac — +1 lap*
- Valtteri Bottas – Cadillac — +2 laps
NC – Lance Stroll – Aston Martin — DNF
NC – Fernando Alonso – Aston Martin — DNF
NC – Charles Leclerc – Ferrari — DNF
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