Kimi Antonelli becomes the first Italian to lead an F1 championship into the Monza GP since 1953, carries Italian hopes and revives a dream last seen by Alberto Ascari

Italian Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli (AP photo) For decades, Italian Formula 1 fans have dreamed of seeing one of their own come to Monza with the world championship within reach. In 2026, that wait is finally over. Andrea Kimi Antonelli heads into the Italian Grand Prix as the Formula 1 World Championship leader, becoming the first Italian driver in 73 years to top the standings ahead of his home race. The last to do so was the great Ferrari Alberto Ascari in 1953.At just 20, Antonelli has already turned what should have been a promising young career into one of the defining stories of the 2026 F1 season. The Bologna-born driver, who drives for Mercedes, has won six Grands Prix and leads the championship with 242 points, 59 ahead of his team-mate George Russell and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, both on 183 points.73 years after Ascari, Italy has a championship leaderThe name Alberto Ascari remains synonymous with Italian Formula 1 greatness. Ascari drove for Ferrari and won back-to-back world championships in 1952 and 1953. In 1953, he arrived at the Italian Grand Prix leading the drivers’ championship, a feat no Italian had repeated at his home race until Antonelli’s breakthrough that year.This parallel is particularly striking as Ascari’s 1953 season ended with him finishing the championship as world champion despite retiring from the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.Now, 73 years later, another Italian has arrived at Monza with hopes of the country’s championship. The difference is that Antonelli is doing it in a Mercedes rather than a Ferrari.

The “Kimmy effect” rules Italy

Antonelli’s rise sparked a new wave of enthusiasm in Italian motorsport. His arrival gives the country’s fans something they’ve rarely had in F1’s modern era: an Italian driver capable of competing for the sport’s biggest prize.And he did it quickly. After making his F1 debut with Mercedes in 2025 as a replacement for Lewis Hamilton, Antonelli exploded into title contention in his second season. His 2026 campaign already includes six wins and six pole positions from 12 Grands Prix.His success also created an unusual dynamic at Monza. The Italian Grand Prix traditionally revolves around Ferrari and its passionate Tifosi. This year, however, the home crowd can cheer on another driver, even if he is in the colors of Mercedes. This makes Antonelli’s story different from those of previous Italian favourites. He doesn’t need to drive a Ferrari to become a national sporting icon.

From Hamilton’s replacement to championship leader

Expectations surrounding Antonelli have been huge since Mercedes promoted him.He was just 18 when the team handed him Hamilton’s seat after the seven-time world champion moved to Ferrari. Mercedes effectively placed one of the biggest responsibilities of the sport on the shoulders of a teenager.Antonelli responded with three podium finishes and 150 points in his rookie season. The second year was a completely different story. He established himself as the driver to beat, winning six races and building a substantial championship lead. The irony is hard to ignore: Hamilton, the man Antonelli replaced at Mercedes, is now one of his closest rivals in the championship, driving for Ferrari.

Monza presents a very different challenge

Antonelli’s historic weekend will not be easy. The powerplant change means the championship leader is set to start the Italian Grand Prix from the back of the grid, turning what could have been a simple return home into a rescue mission.Antonelli said that instead of letting the penalty get the better of him, it would take some of the pressure off and give him a chance to enjoy his home race. That could make Sunday’s contest even more impressive. The championship leader will have to fight his way through the field at one of the fastest circuits on the calendar, while Ferrari drivers Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will be chasing glory in front of their home fans.Mercedes team-mate Russell, meanwhile, has already shown strong speed in Monza, dominating Friday’s second practice and drawing attention around Antonelli.