Marco Bezzecchi returned the favour to Kimi Antonelli by visiting the Formula One paddock at the 2026 Italian Grand Prix, and once again the reunion proved to be a lucky charm.
The Aprilia MotoGP rider was at Monza over the weekend and visited Antonelli inside the Mercedes garage, three months after the F1 star made a similar trip to Mugello for the Italian motorcycle Grand Prix.
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On that occasion, Antonelli watched Bezzecchi clinch a memorable home victory for Aprilia before joining the celebrations and embracing his compatriot after the race.
This time, the roles were reversed as Bezzecchi witnessed Antonelli produce one of the drives of his young career to emerge victorious despite starting 19th following an engine-related grid penalty.
The 20-year-old charged through the field before overtaking Mercedes team-mate and championship rival George Russell in the closing stages, becoming the first Italian driver to win at Monza in 60 years.
The result also extended Antonelli’s championship lead over Russell to 66 points as he continues his bid to become Italy’s first Formula One world champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953.
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Bezzecchi was not the only Italian sporting star there to witness the historic victory.
Tennis world number one Jannik Sinner was also at Monza after being forced to miss the ongoing US Open because of a knee injury, and later congratulated Antonelli following his victory.
The weekend therefore provided another memorable chapter for a new generation of Italian sporting stars, but Bezzecchi will now turn his attention back to his own world championship challenge.
MotoGP heads to Misano next for the San Marino Grand Prix, giving the Rimini-born rider his own opportunity to deliver in front of a home crowd just two weeks after finishing third at Aragon.
Watch the 2026 San Marino Grand Prix live on SPOTV NOW.
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