Lewis Hamilton believes he can no longer catch Kimi Antonelli in the F1 world championship race after a day of disappointment at the Italian Grand Prix.
Hamilton had high hopes of a strong showing at Ferrari’s home race but dropped down the order from fourth on lap one after a tangle with his teammate Charles Leclerc, who then crashed out a lap later.
The Briton recovered to fourth but was then short of pace after his team opted not to pit him during a mid-race VSC [virtual safety car] period and ultimately finished sixth – behind both McLarens of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli claimed a sensational victory from 19th on the grid to extend his mighty lead in the standings. Hamilton now trails the 20-year-old Italian by 76 points with 10 rounds remaining.
Follow live coverage of the Italian Grand Prix with The Independent
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F1 ITALIAN GRAND PRIX - LATEST UPDATES
- Kimi Antonelli wins Italian grand prix from 19th on the grid
- Click HERE for the top-10
- Antonelli passed Mercedes teammate George Russell towards the end of the race
- Charles Leclerc crashes out of the Italian Grand Prix
- Lewis Hamilton down the order after nightmare start
Lewis Hamilton concedes 2026 F1 title after Italian Grand Prix: ‘It’s too late’
18:20 , Kieran JacksonLewis Hamilton believes he can no longer catch Kimi Antonelli in the F1 world championship race after a day of disappointment at the Italian Grand Prix.
Hamilton had high hopes of a strong showing at Ferrari’s home race but dropped down the order from fourth on lap one after a tangle with his teammate Charles Leclerc, who then crashed out a lap later.
The Briton recovered to fourth but was then short of pace after his team opted not to pit him during a mid-race VSC [virtual safety car] period and ultimately finished sixth – behind both McLarens of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli claimed a sensational victory from 19th on the grid to extend his mighty lead in the standings. Hamilton now trails the 20-year-old Italian by 76 points with 10 rounds remaining.
Lewis Hamilton concedes 2026 F1 title after Italian Grand Prix: ‘It’s too late’
‘It’s very emotional’: Michael Schumacher tribute paid by brother Ralf ahead of Italian Grand Prix
23:59 , Kieran JacksonRalf Schumacher paid a glowing tribute to his brother Michael on an Italian Grand Prix weekend where Ferrari are honouring their most successful Formula 1 driver.
This season represents 30 years since Michael, six-and-a-half years older than fellow F1 driver and brother Ralf, made his debut for the Scuderia, a team he went on to win five consecutive world championships with.
Both Lewis Hamilton's and Charles Leclerc’s cars will adorn Schumacher’s logo and seven stars on the chassis to represent Schumacher’s title tally – a feat only matched by Hamilton. On Sunday, Sebastian Vettel will also drive a “celebratory” lap in Schumacher’s title-winning 2002 car.
Full story below:
‘It’s very emotional’: Michael Schumacher tribute paid by brother Ralf in Monza
Why was George Russell booed at the Italian Grand Prix?
22:00 , Kieran JacksonGeorge Russell was booed by the Italian fans as home hero Kimi Antonelli claimed an improbable victory at Monza on Sunday.
Antonelli became the first Italian winner at Monza in 60 years with a sensational drive from 19th on the grid to first at the chequered flag.
The 20-year-old, on fresher tyres, overtook Russell in the closing stages to claim his seventh win of the season and extend his lead in the world championship to 66 points over his Mercedes teammate.
Why was George Russell booed at the Italian Grand Prix?
Carlos Sainz, who finished 13th:
21:00 , Kieran Jackson“First of all, happy to see Charles unharmed after such a big accident. On our side, we executed a good race today and a strong weekend overall given our limitations. We put together a solid qualifying yesterday and had a good start and race pace today.
“Boxing under the VSC got us ahead of Ocon with a great pit stop from our mechanics and good pace allowed us to overtake Bearman at the end. I'm now very much looking forward to Madrid next weekend.”
Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur:
20:00 , Kieran Jackson“We knew that this race would be challenging, especially in terms of our top speed, and that made it difficult for Lewis to fight and overtake the cars around him. Regarding Charles, on the second lap he was side by side with Oscar (Piastri) going into the last corner and went slightly onto the dirty side of the track, which was enough for him to lose the car and hit the barriers. It was a big impact, so the most important thing is that Charles is okay.
“Of course, we are disappointed that we could not give our tifosi the result we wanted after the incredible energy and support they have shown us throughout the weekend. I’m very happy for Kimi (Antonelli): this is a very important moment for him, and he deserves it. Our focus now immediately switches to next weekend and the new Madrid circuit.”
RACE REPORT: Kimi Antonelli claims sensational Monza victory from P19 as George Russell misses out again
19:00 , Kieran JacksonKimi Antonelli dealt a seismic blow to George Russell’s hopes of taking the F1 world championship by passing his Mercedes teammate with just three laps remaining to win the Italian Grand Prix after he started 19th on the grid.
Home favourite Antonelli, who was way down the order after a grid penalty, took advantage of a favourable strategy, an explosive new engine and a demonstration of passing excellence, to become the first Italian in 60 years to win in Monza.
Full report below:
Antonelli claims sensational Monza victory from P19 as Russell misses out again
Lewis Hamilton concedes F1 championship
18:02 , Kieran JacksonShould you have pitted? “One of the harder ones to swallow today, was hoping for more. But yeah... I gave it absolutely everything, just didn’t have the speeds on the straights, was a sitting duck.
“We’ll look internally into what we could have done better, we probably should have been on the hard tyre but we also had to be overtaking people. I thought they’d stop us, they didn’t, and I ran out of tyres.”
On prioritisation in team: “Yeah, too far past that already. Too late for that now. I lost a lot of points today; they’re just ahead. We’ll do our best to keep pushing the rest of the seaosn, they’re out ahead now.”
Charles Leclerc after his crash:
17:45 , Kieran Jackson“Went on power, didn’t feel like the car was quite alright, lost the car, need to look at the data.
“For the start, not much to say, Lewis tried to overtake, there wasn’t much space, kept it tight into turn two.”
Kimi Antonelli after his win:
17:22 , Kieran Jackson“I woke up this morning and I felt very good mentally, I thought a good result would’ve been podium, after the red flag I was already P12, then top-five and I knew I had a shot for the win. It was difficult to break away, we managed to pull it off and bring it home.
Championship, yours to lose? “No not at all, race by race, you never know what can happen, today went well, we had a massive opportunity and we took it. Madrid is a new challenge, new track for everyone, important to be on point. Will enjoy this moment then focus on the next one.”
Max Verstappen after finishing third:
16:59 , Kieran Jackson“Some good battles out there, had to send it around the outside a lot.
In general, top speed wasn’t our friend today. Tried to hang in there, they were a bit too fast, tried to be in overtake mode. Tried to do my own race.
“I had one tricky moment in turn 2 and the tarmac was opening up. Makes quite a big difference around here; happy with P3.”
George Russell after finishing second:
16:42 , Kieran Jackson“Huge congrats to Kimi of course, incredible result from him.
“When i looked on the leaderboard, he was P5, P4. I knew straight away he’d be in the mix. Huge congrats to him, I was struggling with the tyres, did the whole race on that one tyre. I’ll take it, it’s been more positive than negative since summer break, but I’d loved to have been P1 today.
On not pitting: “I thought we’d both stay out, surprised to see him pitting, roll of a dice both ways.
“The team wouldn’t have known which one was better, amde sense to split the cars. Kimi had great pace.”
Time for the podium
16:17 , Kieran JacksonA spectacular sight - as ever - at Monza as Antonelli arrives to huge cheers from the Italian fans!
George Russell, it should be said, was jeered. Bit unnecessary...
Hell of a sight either way.
Antonelli after winning the Italian GP:
16:16 , Kieran Jackson“Unbelievable, so happy, could never imagine to be here today. We managed to pull it off, we’re really really happy.
“After the second restart, I was up there and knew I had a shot for the win. I believed in it, especially when I was behind George - it was really difficult to break away. He struggled a bit with his tyres, but with fresher tyres, I was able to keep the pace.”
On winning home race: “Dream come true. What an incredible day, couldn’t do it without my team, my family. Few races to go but now we’re going to enjoy today.”
Top-10 at the Italian Grand Prix
16:05 , Kieran Jackson1. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
2. George Russell (Mercedes)
3. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
4. Lando Norris (McLaren)
5. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
6. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
7. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
8. Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls)
9. Franco Colapinto (Alpine)
10. Yuki Tsunoda (Racing Bulls)
Antonelli wins in Monza
15:56 , Kieran JacksonEngineer: ‘Forza Kimi! Just like being at home on the sim!”
Antonelli: “Wooooo! Oh my god!”
Kimi Antonelli wins the Italian Grand Prix
15:55 , Kieran JacksonA sensational drive!
Antonelli becomes the first Italian to win his home grand prix in 60 years - and he’s done it from 19th on the grid!
Is that a title-winning drive?
George Russell in second, with Max Verstappen in third.
4-10: Norris, Piastri, Hamilton, Gasly, Lindlad, Colapinto, Tsunoda
Final lap
15:54 , Kieran JacksonAntonelli’s lead is a comfortable 1.8 seconds as he starts the final lap.
What a performance this has been from the Italian.
Top-10: Antonelli, Russell, Verstappen, Piastri, Norris, Hamilton, Gasly, Lindblad, Colapinto, Tsunoda
Kimi Antonelli leads the Italian Grand Prix (Lap 50/53)
15:51 , Kieran JacksonThis time, Antonelli does it after the second Lesmo in the second sector and Russell can do nothing.
Huge cheers in the grandstands!
And his lead is already out to 1.2 seconds.
It’s done out in front. Is it done for the title?
Antonelli back close to Russell (Lap 50/53)
15:50 , Kieran JacksonAntonelli right back on Russell’s gearbox: the gap is 0.6 seconds.
Russell’s engineer: “Keep it clean, no risk.”
Can Russell do anything this time?
Antonelli in the gravel (Lap 49/53)
15:49 , Kieran JacksonWow! Antonelli screws it up!
It looked an easy pass down the main straight but Russell just held on down the inside of the chicane - then Antonelli went too wide around the outside and into the gravel!
Russell gets a one-second lead back...
Antonelli: “What the f*** happened there?”
Gap is now one second (Lap 48/53)
15:47 , Kieran JacksonIt’s probably one or two too many laps for Russell to hold on.
Make no mistake: Antonelli is now within a second of one of the all-time great victories here.
Antonelli closing in (Lap 46/53)
15:45 , Kieran JacksonThis is looking very troublesome for Russell.
Antonelli’s deficit is now just 2.2 seconds and Russell’s tyres are graining.
Russell told to “bring it home.” Is he going to be powerless here?!
Verstappen back to third (Lap 43/53)
15:41 , Kieran JacksonVerstappen, this time, nails his braking after passing Piastri and holds onto third.
Out in front, Antonelli trails Russell by 4.5 seconds.
Ten laps left - is he catching quickly enough? It’s touch and go.
Verstappen loses out - twice
15:39 , Kieran JacksonVerstappen, to some surprise, loses third to Piastri before misjudging his braking at the first chicane and going straight on.
Russell escapes sanction (Lap 40/53)
15:36 , Kieran JacksonNo further investigation.
Phew. That’s good for the race - will we have a late-lap showdown?
Verstappen up to third (Lap 40/53)
15:35 , Kieran JacksonCracking move.
Verstappen takes Piastri at the second chicane.
At front, Russell is told that Antonelli will catch him by the end of the race.
His lead is currently 7.5 seconds. 13 laps left.
Antonelli up to P2 (Lap 37/53)
15:33 , Kieran JacksonAnother comfortable pass for Antonelli on Piastri - P2.
And Russell is under investigation for a yellow flag infringement. Ah dear.
Russell’s lead is 8.5 seconds over his teammate. A five or 10 second penalty would be severe.
Hamilton misses the chicane (Lap 35/53)
15:30 , Kieran JacksonA dream for Antonelli, this.
Hamilton misjudges his braking at the first chicane and he has to go straight on, weaving through pillars, and it’s a simple pass for Antonelli.
Hamilton: “This tyre is terrible mate.”
Antonelli up to third. He’s just 1.3 secs off Piastri. Russell’s lead is 8.6 seconds.
Russell on radio:
15:28 , Kieran JacksonEngineer: “Antonelli, 25.0.”
Russell: “Just let me drive, going as uick as I can.”
Antonelli takes fifth (Lap 30/53)
15:23 , Kieran JacksonThat was simple.
Antonelli cruises past Gasly at Curva Grande - he’s up to fifth.
There’s about a 14-second gap from Russell (hards) to Antonelli (new mediums).
This could well be tough for Russell in 20 laps or so, me thinks...
Antonelli and Verstappen pit (Lap 29/53)
15:20 , Kieran JacksonAntonelli pits with a 2.7-second stop, another set of mediums, with Verstappen also diving into the pits.
Antonelli comes out in sixth, with Verstappen in seventh.
So Russell keeps first but has older tyres... and now the VSC ends.
Let’s see how this plays out!
VSC (Lap 28/53)
15:19 , Kieran JacksonA few laps after Fernando Alonso retired, the second Aston Martin car pulls over with a hydraulic issue on the main straight.
VSC deployed - they all slow down.
Will anyone pit?
Antonelli's engineer: (Lap 25/53)
15:15 , Kieran JacksonBono: “We want George to build the gap to Verstappen... if that doesn’t work, we’ll invert.”
Meanwhile, Piastri and Hamilton are also constantly swapping positions for fourth. The Aussie currently occupies it.
Russell leads (Lap 23/59)
15:12 , Kieran JacksonThis time, for now, Russell overtakes on the straight and holds the lead on Curva Grande.
Antonelli’s engineer tells him to stop yo-yo’ing, but Antonelli says: “Well then he passes me.”
It’s allowing Verstappen back into the fight - he’s just one second behind Antonelli.
Russell and Antonelli exchange lead (Lap 22/53)
15:10 , Kieran JacksonSee what I posted last time? Copy and paste!
A near identical play - Russell overtakes on straight, Antonelli on Curva Grande - but the Italian’s move is stunning around the outside.
Slingshot racing!
Russell and Antonelli exchange lead (Lap 20/53)
15:07 , Kieran JacksonThrilling racing!
Russell takes first on the main straight, before Antonelli comes right back at him after turn 2!
Antonelli remains in the lead.
Top-10: Antonelli, Russell, Verstappen, Piastri, Hamilton, Gasly, Norris, Lindblad, Tsunoda, Bearman
Antonelli leads (Lap 18/53)
15:04 , Kieran JacksonThis is remarkable.
Antonelli storms down the outside on the main straight and takes first place from his teammate.
From 19th to first! Gosh...
Antonelli up to second (Lap 16/53)
15:01 , Kieran JacksonWow!
Antonelli simply has too much pace for Verstappen and takes the Red Bull around the outside for second place!
He started in 19th. He’s now second. Can he now catch his teammate?!
Russell takes first back (Lap 15/53)
15:00 , Kieran JacksonRussell was right on Verstappen’s tail and - after the first chicane - he used his boost and overtake well and sped past Verstappen.
The top-three are so tight now! Antonelli is now right on the gearbox of Verstappen.
Thrilling race this!
Antonelli up to third (Lap 13/53)
14:57 , Kieran JacksonThis is unbelievable from Antonelli.
He takes Hamilton after turn 2 with a super move before more speed on Piastri takes third.
Astonishing.
Top-10: Verstappen, Russell, Antonelli, Piastri, Hamilton, Gasly, Norris, Lindblad, Tsunoda, Bearman
Verstappen leads (Lap 12/53)
14:55 , Kieran JacksonSuperior pace for Max!
Verstappen takes first place from Russell on the main straight!
Verstappen yet to win a race this year - can he do so this afternoon?
Gasly drops to sixth (Lap 11/53)
14:53 , Kieran JacksonAlpine simply don’t have a strong race-car.
Gasly has dropped three places, with Piastri and Antonelli cruising past him.
Menawhile, out in front, Russell’s lead to Verstappen is now 0.5 seconds.
It’s tight...
Hamilton takes third from Gasly (Lap 10/53)
14:52 , Kieran JacksonWho’s later on the brakes at turn 1?! It’s Hamilton - just!
He takes third place from Gasly.
Next up? Max Verstappen.
Verstappen up to second (Lap 8/53)
14:50 , Kieran JacksonThe Dutchman takes Gasly just before Parabolica - and is up to P2.
Russell has a 1.7 second lead out in front, though.
4-10: Hamilton, Piastri, Antonelli, Norris, Lindblad, Bearman, Tsunoda
Colapinto now in P16....
Hamilton up to fourth (Lap 7/53)
14:48 , Kieran JacksonHamilton takes Piastri on the main straight and he’s in fourth!
And Antonelli, from 12th, is now sixth!
He couldn’t win this... could he?!
Russell keeps lead (Lap 6/53)
14:47 , Kieran JacksonReally good start from Russell who keeps the lead - and Colapinto looked to take a spot on Verstappen and does so at turn 1!
But then at the first Lesmo, Colapinto skids off track and is down in 15th!
Good start this time for Hamilton, who’s up in fifth now.
Tyres
14:44 , Kieran JacksonEveryone in the top-10 is on hards other than... Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.
They’re on mediums...
Extra formation lap
14:43 , Kieran JacksonTo some surprise, the FIA have sent them all around for another formation lap.
I think Yuki Tsunoda was in the wrong grid spot!
Russell leads pack around
14:41 , Kieran JacksonWe’ll have one formation lap before a standing start, again.
Here’s a reminder of the top-10:
1. Russell
2. Gasly
3. Verstappen
4. Colapinto
5. Piastri
6. Norris
7. Lindblad
8. Hamilton
9. Bearman
10. Ocon
Leclerc crash
14:39 , Kieran JacksonUnofficially, that crash has been measured at 60G.
We’ve heard that Leclerc has now been cleared in the medical centre, which is good to hear.
And now... we’re almost ready to go racing again!
Charles Leclerc taken to F1 medical centre after enormous crash at Italian Grand Prix
14:37 , Kieran JacksonCharles Leclerc escaped unharmed after suffering an enormous crash at the Italian Grand Prix.
The Ferrari driver, starting third on the grid, lost positions to Pierre Gasly and Max Verstappen on lap two of the 53-lap race before Oscar Piastri went for a move at the final Parabolica corner.
Leclerc held the position but then, sweeping around the long right-hander, put a wheel off the circuit and lost control, spinning violently into the nearby tyre barrier.
Leclerc taken to F1 medical centre after enormous crash at Italian Grand Prix
RACE UPDATE
14:34 , Kieran JacksonThe grand prix will resume at 2:39pm BST.
That’s in five minutes, folks.
FIA UPDATE
14:27 , Kieran Jackson“Tyre barrier repairs ongoing, at least 15 minutes will be required before we can resume the Race.”
VIDEO: Leclerc crash
14:20 , Kieran JacksonIt’s a big one.
LA CATASTROPHE POUR FERRARI, CHARLES LECLERC DANS LE MUR À LA PARABOLICA ! 🤯🤯🤯
— Le Sprint (@LeSprintEdition) September 6, 2026
Après avoir emmené son coéquipier dans les graviers, la course se termine pour le monégasque.
Le pilote est OK.#F1 #ItalianGP pic.twitter.com/9KpLnkXuTa
Top-10 at red flag
14:13 , Kieran Jackson1. Russell
2. Gasly
3. Verstappen
4. Colapinto
5. Piastri
6. Norris
7. Lindblad
8. Hamilton
9. Bearman
10. Ocon
RED FLAG (Lap 4/53)
14:09 , Kieran JacksonWith the tyre barrier smashed to pieces at Parabolica, race control have stopped this race on lap 3.
Makes sense.
Leclerc looks pretty winded just sitting on the grass outside the corner. Hopefully he’s all OK.
Charles Leclerc crashes out
14:07 , Kieran JacksonOh my - Leclerc is out!
And it’s a massive hit into the tyre barrier at Parabolica!
Too much speed as he got overtaken by Piastri but spins the rear wheels and smashes into the tyre barrier.
SAFETY CAR.
Leclerc is out of the car.
George Russell takes the lead (Lap 2/53)
14:06 , Kieran JacksonRussell has too much speed down the main straight for Gasly and it’s a comfortable pass!
Leclerc also overtakes Gasly but the Alpine gets him back after the first chicane.
Bad news Lewis fans: he’s down in P10!
And now Max Verstappen swings past Leclerc for third!
Hamilton loses out at the start
14:05 , Kieran JacksonLights out and it’s quick from Gasly - he keeps the lead!
Russell in second and Leclerc and Hamilton get racy at the first chicane - and Hamilton loses out!
He clips the gravel and drops down the order. “Charles pushed me off!” he says. There simply wasn’t space!
And they’re all away relatively cleanly...
Formation lap
14:01 , Kieran JacksonSo Pierre Gasly - six years to the day since he won in Monza - leads the pack around for the formation lap under the baking hot Monza sun.
The top two are on mediums, with Leclerc, Hamilton and Verstappen on softs.
Antonelli, at the back, on hards... he’ll go long.
Who’ll lead coming out of turn 1 here?!
A reminder of the starting grid:
13:58 , Kieran Jackson1. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
2. George Russell (Mercedes)
3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
4. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
5. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
6. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)**
7. Franco Colapinto (Alpine)
8. Lando Norris (McLaren)
9. Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls)
10. Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi)
11. Ollie Bearman (Haas)
12. Nico Hulkenberg (Audi)
13. Carlos Sainz (Williams)
14. Esteban Ocon (Haas)
15. Yuki Tsunoda (Racing Bulls)
16. Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac)
17. Sergio Perez (Cadillac)
18. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
19. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)*
20. Alex Albon (Williams)*
Pit lane. Liam Lawson (Red Bull)***
Pit lane. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)***
*Will start back of the grid due to engine penalty
**Piastri was given a three-place grid penalty for impeding Lawson in Q2
***Aston Martin changed car components overnight and thus Alonso starts in the pit-lane
Race winner odds
13:56 , Kieran Jackson- George Russell: 10/11
- Charles Leclerc: 4/1
- Lewis Hamilton: 6/1
- Max Verstappen: 14/1
- Pierre Gasly: 14/1
- Oscar Piastri: 14/1
- Lando Norris: 16/1
- Kimi Antonelli: 20/1
- Franco Colapinto: 150/1
- Arvid Lindblad: 200/1
Italian Grand Prix
13:51 , Kieran JacksonWho had a Pierre Gasly pole position on their 2026 season bingo card? Certainly not me! The Alpine driver was 1000/1 to get pole on Saturday but the Frenchman pulled a stunning lap out of the bag to pip George Russell - whom he beat at online chess 20 minutes before qualifying - to pole position.
Russell will be eyeing a much-needed victory today though, while the Ferrari pair of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton start on the second row - can they get ahead on that long run down to turn 1?
It should be a cracker this!
Time for the Italian national anthem
13:45 , Kieran JacksonUndoubtedly, one of the best of the year!
Performed by Francesco Meli.
Antonelli's engineer Peter Bonnington:
13:41 , Kieran Jackson“Hopefully car pace, hopefully he’s got plenty of it, make short shirft of the guys ahead of us hopefully... maybe by mid-teens we’re up with the guys we need to be battling.
“As soon as we’re up with Max, that’s where we should be, P8/P7 spot.”
A reminder of the driver standings ahead of round 13:
13:40 , Kieran JacksonHere’s the top-10:
1. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) - 242 points
2. George Russell (Mercedes) - 183 points
3. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) - 183 points
4. Lando Norris (McLaren) - 159 points
5. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) - 155 points
6. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) - 112 points
7. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) - 106 points
8. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) - 71 points
9. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) - 51 points
10. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) - 35 points
Kimi Antonelli who starts at the back:
13:38 , Kieran Jackson“It’s been a crazy week, I’ve been enjoying so much, good to be back home in front of these incredible fans, hopefully we can put on a show.
“Full push, try to recover as many places.”
Gasly on his day ahead:
13:34 , Kieran Jackson“I’m feeling amazing, super excited for the race and today, lost my voice a bit already but hopefully tonight I can’t speak!
“I’ll try my best, it’s also the 6 September, exactly six years since my first win in Mozna in 2020, so far all the stars have aligned.
“I’ve done all the work and preparation. Today is going to be an odd race with the battery, I felt good in the car; I’ll absolutely send it.”
Rosberg on Ferrari intra-team title chase
13:27 , Kieran Jackson"It's way too early, it doesn't make sense!"
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) September 6, 2026
Nico Rosberg previews today's Italian Grand Prix and discusses whether Ferrari should prioritise Lewis Hamilton over Charles Leclerc 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/3VVjzaL7Q6
Sebastian Vettel drives a 'celebratory lap' in Monza
13:16 , Kieran JacksonNice moment this morning for Sebastian Vettel, a former Ferrari driver, as he drove Michael Schumacher’s 2002 title-winning car around the Monza circuit.
It’s a Schumacher tribute weekend, with Ferrari’s car adorned with his logo and seven stars, to mark 30 years since his debut with the team.
Constructor standings ahead of Italian GP
13:10 , Kieran Jackson1. Mercedes - 425 points
2. Ferrari - 338 points
3. McLaren - 265 points
4. Red Bull - 189 points
5. Racing Bulls - 70 points
6. Alpine - 54 points
7. Haas - 21 points
8. Audi - 16 points
9. Williams - 11 points
10. Aston Martin - 3 points
11. Cadillac - 0 points
A promise from Clarkson
13:02 , Kieran Jackson“Right, Pierre Gasly. No pressure but if you translate that pole into a win, the whole team gets a Hawkstone. Go Chipping Norton team.
Right. @PierreGASLY No pressure but if you translate that pole into a win, the whole team gets a Hawkstone. Go Chipping Norton team.
— Jeremy Clarkson (@JeremyClarkson) September 5, 2026
Oscar Piastri's grid penalty
12:56 , Kieran JacksonPiastri was penalised for impeding Liam Lawson in Q2 - and it looked pretty slam-dunk.
He will start in sixth, having qualified in third.
What are the driver standings ahead of round 13?
12:50 , Kieran JacksonHere’s the top-10:
1. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) - 242 points
2. George Russell (Mercedes) - 183 points
3. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) - 183 points
4. Lando Norris (McLaren) - 159 points
5. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) - 155 points
6. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) - 112 points
7. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) - 106 points
8. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) - 71 points
9. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) - 51 points
10. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) - 35 points
F1 driver parade at Monza
12:43 , Kieran JacksonAlways a special one for the drivers and fans alike.
What about Ferrari?
12:37 , Kieran JacksonObviously, it’s Monza, and it’s a big occasion for the Ferrari pairing of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.
They start third and fourth respectively, so they’re right in the mix. Can they work together to get a Scuderia victory at their home race?
What is the full starting grid for the race?
12:32 , Kieran JacksonFour penalties in total...
1. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
2. George Russell (Mercedes)
3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
4. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
5. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
6. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)**
7. Franco Colapinto (Alpine)
8. Lando Norris (McLaren)
9. Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls)
10. Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi)
11. Ollie Bearman (Haas)
12. Nico Hulkenberg (Audi)
13. Carlos Sainz (Williams)
14. Esteban Ocon (Haas)
15. Yuki Tsunoda (Racing Bulls)
16. Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac)
17. Sergio Perez (Cadillac)
18. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
19. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)*
20. Alex Albon (Williams)*
21. Liam Lawson (Red Bull)*
Pit lane. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)***
*Will start back of the grid due to engine penalty
**Piastri was given a three-place grid penalty for impeding Lawson in Q2
***Aston Martin changed car components overnight so Alonso will start from the pit-lane
What time is the race?
12:28 , Kieran JacksonThe Italian Grand Prix at Monza starts at 2pm (BST).
Italian Grand Prix
12:26 , Kieran JacksonGood afternoon - are we all ready?
Who had a Pierre Gasly pole position on their 2026 season bingo card? Certainly not me! The Alpine driver was 1000/1 to get pole on Saturday but the Frenchman pulled a stunning lap out of the bag to pip George Russell - whom he beat at online chess 20 minutes before qualifying - to pole position.
Russell will be eyeing a much-needed victory today though, while the Ferrari pair of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton start on the second row - can they get ahead on that long run down to turn 1?
It should be a cracker this!
