Andrea Kimi Antonelli made Formula 1 history at the Italian Grand Prix. After starting 19th at Monza this Sunday (6), the Mercedes driver fought through the field to win his home race and recorded the second-lowest starting position from which a driver has won a Grand Prix in F1 history.
Antonelli started from the back of the grid after receiving a penalty for an engine change, but rapidly moved through the field and eventually battled team-mate George Russell for the lead. He completed the comeback by taking the chequered flag first after 53 laps.
Only John Watson has won a Formula 1 Grand Prix from a lower starting position. The Northern Irishman started 22nd at the 1983 United States Grand Prix West in Long Beach and charged through the field to claim victory for McLaren. That remains the lowest grid position from which an F1 Grand Prix has been won.
Antonelli’s 19th-place start also matches the starting position of Bill Vukovich, who won the 1954 Indianapolis 500 from 19th. The race counted toward the Formula 1 World Championship at the time.
The Italian therefore moved ahead of Rubens Barrichello, who won the 2000 German Grand Prix from 18th, while also surpassing a group of drivers who won from 17th.
F1 winners from the lowest starting positions
| Driver | Race | Starting position |
|---|---|---|
| John Watson | 1983 United States GP West | 22nd |
| Kimi Antonelli | 2026 Italian GP | 19th |
| Bill Vukovich | 1954 Indianapolis 500 | 19th |
| Rubens Barrichello | 2000 German GP | 18th |
| John Watson | 1982 Detroit GP | 17th |
| Kimi Räikkönen | 2005 Japanese GP | 17th |
| Max Verstappen | 2024 São Paulo GP | 17th |
Antonelli’s victory was particularly significant because he did not simply inherit positions through retirements. The Mercedes driver showed the pace required to fight at the front after starting 19th, eventually overtaking Russell in the closing stages to secure his seventh win of the 2026 season.
The result also made Antonelli the first Italian to win the Italian Grand Prix at Monza since Ludovico Scarfiotti in 1966, ending a 60-year wait for a home winner.
F1 returns next weekend, from September 11-13, with the Spanish Grand Prix at Madrid’s new urban circuit. GRANDE PRÊMIO will continue to cover all the action from the 14th round of the 2026 season.
FAQ
From what position did Kimi Antonelli win the 2026 Italian GP?
Antonelli won the Italian Grand Prix after starting 19th on the grid. He received a grid penalty following an engine change before the race.
Who holds the record for the lowest starting position for an F1 Grand Prix win?
John Watson holds the record. He won the 1983 United States Grand Prix West at Long Beach after starting 22nd, a record that remains unbeaten.
What is the second-lowest starting position for an F1 race winner?
The second-lowest is 19th, achieved by Kimi Antonelli at the 2026 Italian Grand Prix and Bill Vukovich at the 1954 Indianapolis 500.
