Antonelli completes historic 19th-to-first comeback to win Italian GP at Monza

Key points

• Antonelli started 19th due to an engine penalty but moved to sixth by lap 6 after a red flag caused by Leclerc's crash.
• Leclerc crashed into the wall at the Parabolica corner on lap 2, triggering a red flag and forcing a restart from pole for Russell.
• Antonelli and Verstappen pitted under a virtual safety car on lap 29, while Russell stayed out on hard tyres, creating a strategic split.
• Antonelli caught Russell with five laps remaining, running wide at Turn 2 before taking the lead with three laps to go.
• The result extends Antonelli's championship lead to 66 points over Russell, with the next race scheduled for Madrid.

Background

Antonelli has been the dominant force in the 2026 season, securing his seventh career win and becoming the most successful Italian driver since Alberto Ascari. His victory at Monza is the 50th for an Italian in Grand Prix history. The race followed a period of intense championship battles, with Russell and Hamilton also facing grid penalties in future rounds due to engine allocations.

How outlets are covering it

Autosport and Sky Sports emphasized the strategic gamble of pitting under the virtual safety car, noting that Russell believed Antonelli would also stay out. The Guardian highlighted the 'yo-yo' racing caused by battery deployment, while BBC Sport focused on the emotional impact of the first Italian home win since 1966. All outlets agreed on the significance of Antonelli's 19th-to-first drive, with Sky Sports noting it as the second-lowest winning grid position in F1 history after John Watson in 1983.

Why it matters

The victory solidifies Antonelli's position as the favorite for the 2026 Drivers' Championship, widening the gap to his main rival. It also marks a historic moment for Italian motorsport, ending a 60-year drought at Monza. The race highlighted the evolving strategy of the 2026 power units, where battery management and tyre choices dictated race outcomes.

What to watch

The next race is the Spanish Grand Prix at the newly built Madring circuit in Madrid. Russell and Hamilton are expected to face grid penalties in future races due to engine allocations. Antonelli will aim to maintain his momentum and extend his lead in the championship.