Italian GP Shock: Late Disqualification Overshadows following a late investigation on… see details

Italian GP Shock: Late Disqualification Overshadows following a late investigation on… see details

Kimi Antonelli delivered a stunning performance at the Italian Grand Prix to strengthen his grip on the 2026 Formula 1 championship, but the dramatic race at Monza was overshadowed by a late disqualification that added another twist to a chaotic weekend.

The 20-year-old Mercedes sensation produced one of the drives of his young career, fighting his way from 19th on the starting grid to take a remarkable victory at the legendary “Temple of Speed.” Antonelli completed his extraordinary charge by overtaking Mercedes team-mate George Russell on Lap 50 of 53, securing another crucial win in front of his home crowd.

However, the celebrations were followed by late drama when the FIA confirmed a disqualification after the race, changing the final classification and adding further controversy to an already eventful Italian Grand Prix.

Ferrari endured a particularly painful afternoon at their home circuit. Charles Leclerc’s race came to a premature end on Lap 3 after a heavy crash, leaving the passionate Tifosi stunned. Team-mate Lewis Hamilton was unable to fight for the podium and eventually finished sixth, leaving Ferrari with another disappointing result on home soil.

Max Verstappen, meanwhile, produced a strong recovery drive to secure third place and complete the podium. The Red Bull driver showed impressive pace throughout the race but could not match the two Mercedes cars ahead of him.

The McLaren duo of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri followed Verstappen across the line, finishing fourth and fifth respectively. Hamilton came home sixth, while Pierre Gasly, who had stunned the paddock by taking pole position, brought his Alpine home in seventh.

Racing Bulls youngster Arvid Lindblad continued to attract attention with another impressive performance, taking eighth place. Alpine’s Franco Colapinto finished ninth, while Yuki Tsunoda collected the final championship point in tenth.

Antonelli’s victory has significantly strengthened his position at the top of the championship standings. The Italian now leads Russell by 66 points, with Hamilton sitting a further 10 points behind his Mercedes rival.

Following the Italian Grand Prix, Antonelli has moved to 267 points, while Russell has 201. Hamilton remains third with 191 points. Norris occupies fourth with 171, followed by Leclerc on 155.

Verstappen is sixth with 127 points, while Piastri has 116. Isack Hadjar sits eighth with 71 points, followed by Liam Lawson on 51 and Gasly on 41.

Further down the standings, Lindblad has 29 points, Colapinto has 21, and Oliver Bearman has 18. Gabriel Bortoleto has 10, while Nico Hülkenberg and Carlos Sainz have six apiece. Alexander Albon has five, with Esteban Ocon and Fernando Alonso on three each. Tsunoda has one point, while Lance Stroll, Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez remain without points.

Mercedes also strengthened its position in the constructors’ championship following its dominant Monza showing. The Silver Arrows now sit comfortably at the top with 468 points.

Ferrari remains second on 348 points, while McLaren occupies third with 287. Red Bull Racing follows with 214 points. Racing Bulls has 75, Alpine 62, Haas 21 and Audi 16. Williams has 11, Aston Martin has three, while Cadillac is yet to score.

With the late disqualification adding another layer of uncertainty to the Italian Grand Prix results, the championship picture could still change depending on the FIA’s final classification.

Nevertheless, Antonelli leaves Monza in an increasingly commanding position. His incredible recovery from P19 to victory could prove to be one of the defining moments of the 2026 title battle.