Extraordinary Antonelli wins Monza GP from 19th place; McLaren teammates bristle

Kimi Antonelli started the Italian Grand Prix in 19th place, marooned at the back of the grid.

But the 20-year-old crossed the finish line first, fighting off his teammate and rival George Russell, to win his home race, in one of the most thrilling races of 2026.

Russell settled for second, while a surging Max Verstappen fought off Oscar Piastri to snatch third after an extraordinary battle.

F1 commentator David Croft summarised the cinematic ending perfectly saying “You can’t script things like that.”

The F1 grid was a juxtaposition of emotions. Exhilaration and tears for Antonelli – who becomes the first Italian to win in Monza since Ludovico Scarfiotti in 1966.

Horror for George Russell, who endured a see-saw battle with his teammate only to lose his lead in the final three laps of the race.

Lastly bitter disappointment for Australian Oscar Piastri, who found himself in podium contention, but was unable to challenge Verstappen for third and was overtaken by teammate Lando Norris in the dying seconds of the last lap. He ultimately finished fifth.

Wiping tears from his eyes on the podium, Antonelli was lost for words.

“Unbelievable. I am so happy. I could never have imagined to be here today. We managed to pull it off, and I am really happy,” he said in a post-race press interview.

To put Antonelli’s achievement in perspective, only John Watson, from 22nd at the 1983 United States Grand Prix, has won from a lower grid spot.

The Autodromo Nazionale Monza, affectionately dubbed the Temple of Speed, boasts some of the best overtaking spots on the F1 calendar.

Shaped like a boot, the 53-lap circuit is 5.793km, starting with a long straight and a hard-breaking chicane for Turns 1 and 2.

Claiming his maiden pole, Pierre Gasly was hoping to recreate history six years ago when he won the Monza Grand Prix – his only race win.

But Gasly didn’t have the pace to challenge the Mercedes, and Russell quickly snatched the lead and looked likely to clinch an easy race win.

But then came the crash.

Charles Leclerc suffered a monster shunt slamming into the barriers in the first few laps of the race. The carnage sent the devastated Ferrari fans into hysterics and also triggered a 30-minute delay as officials rushed to repair the barriers.

The crash allowed Antonelli to fight his way up the grid, and also created an opportunity for Oscar Piastri.

The two Mercedes duelled for the lead, see-sawing back and forth. However, a pivotal moment, happened after Lance Stroll triggered a virtual safety car, allowing Antonelli to pit.

The Silver Arrows chose to keep Russell out, amaking him a sitting duck and allowing his younger teammate to catch him in the final moments of the race.

Russell was polite during his post-race interview, but admitted he was surprised by the strategy.

“I thought we were both going to stay out, I was surprised to see him pitting,” Russell said.

“In the end, it was a roll of the dice both ways.”

McLaren teammates Norris and Piastri also bristled during the race and came close to a collision.

Norris attempted to overtake Piastri, but the Australian held his line.

“He pushed me off track,” Norris said over the radio. “That was dangerous.”

Piastri was subsequently reminded by McLaren engineers ensure there was “clean racing”.

The Australian is desperately craving another podium this season. His last podium appearance was at the Miami Grand Prix in May, where he finished third.

For now, Piastri will have to wait.

What a race!

That’s probably been my favourite race of 2026 and definitely worth a rewatch.

Thanks for joining me and see you next time for the Spanish GP.

Kimi Antonelli reigns supreme at the Temple of Speed, fighting off his teammate and rival to win the Italian Grand Prix in Monza in the most thrilling race of 2026.

Teammate George Russell settles for second, while Max Verstappen clinched third.

Australian Oscar Piastri was in podium contention but was overtaken by Verstappen and then overtaken by teammate Lando Norris in the dying seconds of the race.

He will have to settle for fifth.

Antonelli is the first Italian to win his home grand prix since 1966.

To put it in perspective, only John Watson, from 22nd at the 1983 United States Grand Prix, has won from a lower grid spot.

HE’S DONE IT.

Italian youngster Kimi Antonelli has overtaken his teammate on Lap 51, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

“ Keep it clean Kimi, no risks,” his engineer tells him.

Overtaking for the 26th time, Kimi Antonelli had it all figured out.

Until he didn’t. Trying to overtake Russell, Antonelli slipped off into the gravel.

The Italian has three more laps to overtake his teammate.

Once again, George Russell is seeing the silver nose of his teammate Mercedes in his rear vision mirrors.

With less than eight laps to go, the Italian is flying and is growing closer and closer to his teammate.

Meanwhile, Piastri and Verstappen are having a terrific battle, squabbling for a podium.

The Australian trails the Dutchman in fourth but has time to catch the former world champion.

Max Verstappen has gone wide and locked up. Piastri holds his nerve to claim third.

But Verstappen recovers and launches another attack to snatch third place back. Piastri is sticking to the Dutchman like glue and with 10 laps go, there’s plenty of time for a podium.

Oscar Piastri’s last Formula 1 podium finish was at the Miami Grand Prix on May 3, 2026, where he finished third.