From 19th to Victory: Kimi Antonelli Wins the Italian Grand Prix | Monza 2026 Analysis

How do you go from nearly the back of the grid to winning at Monza?

In this episode of Formula 1 News Hour, Jonathan Steele breaks down a wild 2026 Italian Grand Prix, where Kimi Antonelli delivered one of the standout drives of the season — charging through the field, battling Max Verstappen and George Russell, and ultimately taking victory at the Temple of Speed.

The weekend started with a surprise as Pierre Gasly put his car on pole ahead of Mercedes, Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull. But once the race began, the order changed quickly. Ferrari's home Grand Prix turned chaotic almost immediately as Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc made contact on the opening lap before Leclerc later lost control and crashed out, bringing out the safety car and eventually a red flag.

Jonathan follows Antonelli's remarkable recovery from 19th on the grid as the young Mercedes driver works his way through the field, overtakes Max Verstappen, battles teammate George Russell for the lead, and takes advantage of a crucial virtual-safety-car pit stop.

Late in the race, Antonelli closes rapidly on Russell before an aggressive attempt sends him into the gravel. Somehow he saves the car, catches Russell again, and completes the pass for the lead on lap 50 before going on to win the Italian Grand Prix.

Jonathan also reacts to Max Verstappen fighting near the front despite repeatedly describing his car as "completely broken," George Russell's tire strategy, Lewis Hamilton's difficult afternoon, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris fighting through the field, and the constant position changes that made Monza one of the more entertaining races of the season.

In this episode:

• Kimi Antonelli wins the 2026 Italian Grand Prix

• Antonelli charges from 19th to victory

• Kimi Antonelli vs. George Russell for the race lead

• Antonelli's dramatic late-race gravel save

• Max Verstappen fights through with a struggling Red Bull

• Charles Leclerc crashes out at Ferrari's home Grand Prix

• Lewis Hamilton's chaotic start and difficult race

• Pierre Gasly's surprise pole position

• Virtual safety car strategy changes the race

• Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris battle through the field

• Tire strategy and pit-stop decisions at Monza

• Full Italian Grand Prix race analysis

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