Mercedes has launched a special Italian-themed collection ahead of the 2026 Italian Grand Prix as Kimi Antonelli prepares for one of the most significant races of his championship-leading season. Monza has traditionally been dominated by Ferrari red, but this year some Italian supporters will have another home favourite to cheer for in Mercedes colours.
Ever since the Autodromo Nazionale Monza was built, red has been the defining colour in its grandstands. From banners and flags to caps and shirts, Ferrari has traditionally dominated the visual landscape of the circuit. In 2026, however, a few more daring Italian fans could arrive wearing Mercedes merchandise in support of Kimi Antonelli, who currently leads the Formula 1 World Championship and has inevitably divided some of the country’s loyalties between national pride and Ferrari tradition. Formula 1’s current standings confirm Kimi Antonelli remains at the top with 219 points.
Mercedes celebrates Kimi Antonelli ahead of Monza
To mark what can broadly be described as Kimi Antonelli’s home Grand Prix, Mercedes has created a distinctive collection featuring references to the Italian Tricolore. Strictly speaking, Imola is the circuit much closer to being the Italian driver’s true home race, but Monza remains the country’s most iconic Formula 1 event and one of the biggest weekends of the year for an Italian driver.
Kimi Antonelli’s emergence as the championship leader has already had a significant impact on Italian interest in Formula 1. That influence has been highlighted ahead of Monza, with Stefano Domenicali praising Kimi Antonelli’s effect on the sport in Italy.
The Mercedes driver’s rise also gives his return to Monza added significance after a much more difficult experience at the circuit earlier in his career. Kimi Antonelli has previously explained how his Monza crash remained in his mind before his breakthrough 2026 championship campaign.
Cycling inspires Mercedes’ special Italian Grand Prix range
The central theme of the range is cycling, with the line presented as the “Giro di Monza”. Fans can choose from T-shirts, polo shirts and sweatshirts, as well as footwear and full cycling outfits. The Adidas-designed products combine red, white and green details in a clear reference to the Italian flag.
The official Mercedes store confirms that its limited-edition cycling range includes fanwear, cycling apparel and footwear connected with the Monza collection, including cycling jerseys and accessories created specifically around the Italian Grand Prix theme.
The products are currently available online and are also expected to be sold at the Temple of Speed during the September race weekend.
Antonelli support will challenge Monza’s traditional sea of Ferrari red
Mercedes may be determined to celebrate its rapidly rising Italian star, but eclipsing Ferrari’s presence at Monza will be another matter entirely. The circuit’s grandstands remain synonymous with the red of the Scuderia and the passion of the Tifosi.
Even with Kimi Antonelli leading the championship, Ferrari will continue to command enormous support from the Italian crowd. What may change in 2026 is the presence of a significant Italian rival for that affection, giving Monza an unusual dynamic as supporters balance their traditional loyalty to Ferrari with the chance to back an Italian driver fighting for the Formula 1 world title.
For Mercedes, that makes the Italian Grand Prix much more than another race on the calendar. Kimi Antonelli arrives as both a championship contender and one of the central figures of the weekend, with his growing status reflected by the increasing attention surrounding him in the latest Kimi Antonelli news.
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