Kimi Antonelli put together another remarkable ride during an incredible season, winning the Italian Grand Prix on home soil Sunday by rallying from the back of the pack to take the checkered flag.
Antonelli might have left his teenage years less than two weeks ago, but the youthful exuberance remains. The drivers’ standings leader started 19th on the grid because of an engine penalty, then defied conventional wisdom in a Formula 1 race by making pass after pass with a sense of urgency.
Antonelli powered his way into the lead by Lap 18, dropped back after a mid-race pit stop, then passed teammate George Russell late in the race to win for the seventh time and increase his commanding lead on Russell in the championship standings.
“Unbelievable! I’m so happy,” said Antonelli. “I could never have imagined to be here today, but we managed to pull it off. It’s a dream coming true. What an incredible day. I couldn’t do it without my team, family and everyone who supports me. Still a few races to go, so we’re going to keep our head down, but now we’re going to enjoy today.”
A total of 10 races remain, including stops at Austin, Texas, and Las Vegas.
Sunday’s effort further strengthened Antonelli’s case for a first title.
The 20-year-old moved into the lead on Lap 18 when he passed teammate Russell in Turn 1. The Mercedes duo dueled at the front of the pack while nearly coming together on Lap 22.
Russell stayed on the track during a Virtual Safety Car, while Antonelli made a pit stop and returned to the race in sixth place. Antonelli moved past Lewis Hamilton with just under 20 laps remaining, then moved past Oscar Piastri and into second place one lap later with just Russell ahead.
As the race continued, Russell was being investigated for a yellow-flag violation but cleared in the closing laps. Antonelli didn’t need assistance from the race stewards.
With 10 laps remaining, Russell reported on radio that his tires were fading. His attempt to pass on Lap 49 led to a touch of gravel just off the track.
With four laps remaining, Antonelli’s fresher tires showed their advantage as he moved into the lead ahead of Russell for good.
Russell finished second, nearly four seconds behind his teammate and well ahead of fellow podium finisher Max Verstappen. Lando Norris and Piastri rounded out the top 5 in that order.
The Spanish Grand Prix is set for next week to mark a new era as the race leaves Barcelona for Madrid and will be contested on the brand-new Madring circuit.
–Field Level Media
