F1 leader Kimi Antonelli wins Italian GP after epic charge from the back

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Mercedes driver George Russell of Britain steers his car during the third free practice ahead of the Italian Formula One Grand Prix, in Monza, Italy, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)

Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Italy walks through the pits after the qualifying session ahead of the Italian Formula One Grand Prix, in Monza, Italy, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno) — Mercedes driver George Russell of Britain steers his car during the third free practice ahead of the Italian Formula One Grand Prix, in Monza, Italy, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)

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4:50 AM on Sunday, September 6

By DANIELLA MATAR

MONZA, Italy (AP) — Kimi Antonelli won the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday, despite having started 19th on the grid.

It took the Mercedes driver fewer than 17 laps to fight his way to the front.

The rest of the race was spent tussling with teammate and title rival George Russell for the lead. Antonelli passed him for the final time with three laps remaining, going on to become the first Italian to win at Monza in 60 years.

“Oh my god ... it feels like a dream,” Antonelli said.

That at least gave the crowd something to cheer about after Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc crashed out of the scuderia’s home race early on. In the other Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton finished sixth.

It was Antonelli's seventh win of the season — and his fledgling F1 career — and extended his lead in the overall standings to 66 points ahead of Russell.

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