Antonelli Wins Italian GP from 19th

Kimi Antonelli secured a remarkable victory at the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday, September 6, 2026, driving from 19th on the grid to the checkered flag at Monza. The 20-year-old Mercedes driver's performance, which saw him overtake teammate George Russell in the closing stages, has drawn significant praise and solidified his commanding lead in the Drivers Championship. Antonelli started at the rear due to engine penalties but systematically worked his way through the field. A mid-race Virtual Safety Car period allowed Mercedes to pit Antonelli for fresh medium tires, a strategy that proved decisive. He then hunted down Russell, who had remained on older hard tires, to claim his seventh win of the season. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff described Antonelli's drive as "amazing" and compared his rapid development and ability to learn to an advanced artificial intelligence. Wolff also drew parallels between Antonelli's performance and the greatest drives by seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton.