Sports · 8 September 2026

Kimi Antonelli Wins Italian Grand Prix at Monza

Exam-focused facts from the 8 September 2026 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

  • Kimi Antonelli won the Italian Grand Prix at Monza from 19th on the grid, leading a Mercedes one-two ahead of George Russell.
  • Antonelli became the first Italian to win at Monza since Ludovico Scarfiotti in 1966, ending a 60-year drought.
  • Max Verstappen completed the podium in third place.
  • A first-lap crash for Charles Leclerc brought out a red flag, and the restart handed everyone free tyre changes.
  • Antonelli took the lead by lap 18 after passing both Verstappen and Russell, with Russell twice taking the position back.
  • A virtual safety car for Lance Stroll's retirement let Antonelli pit for fresh medium tyres while Russell stayed out on used hards.
  • Antonelli won by 3.857 seconds.
  • Antonelli ran wide and nearly pitched his Mercedes into the gravel on a high-speed stretch before his decisive move.
  • Victory extended Antonelli's lead to 66 points over Russell in the championship.
  • Ferrari's home race ended with Leclerc in the barriers on lap two and Lewis Hamilton only sixth.