For the first time since 1966, an Italian driver has won the Italian Grand Prix… and in spectacular fashion!
Starting 19th following a power unit penalty, the Mercedes driver charged through the field to claim his seventh Formula One victory and what will surely be one of the most memorable wins of his career.
Antonelli wasted little time making progress. He had already climbed to 12th when the race was red flagged following Charles Leclerc’s heavy crash at the final corner, before gaining more places after the restart. From there, the young Italian continued working his way towards the front, eventually finding himself in a battle with Mercedes teammate and championship rival George Russell.
The pair traded positions during an entertaining fight, at times running remarkably close as the Mercedes crew watched on from the pit wall. But it was a Virtual Safety Car later in the race that helped set up Antonelli’s final charge.
Antonelli pitted for a fresh set of Medium tyres while Russell remained on his used Hards. That left Kimi with ground to make up, but importantly, he now had the fresher rubber.
There was one nervous moment as Antonelli attacked Russell and briefly ran through the gravel, but it wasn’t enough to derail his charge. He recovered and finally found his way past his teammate with four laps remaining. From there, the 20-year-old held on to take an extraordinary home victory, crossing the line 3.8 seconds ahead of Russell, with Max Verstappen completing the podium.
After the race, thousands of Italian fans flooded onto the main straight and packed the area beneath the podium to celebrate a moment they had waited six decades to witness. The last Italian to win the Italian Grand Prix was Ludovico Scarfiotti in 1966. Sixty years later, Antonelli has finally given the home crowd another Italian winner at Monza.
“This is a day that I will remember forever,” Antonelli said after the race, describing it as the most special victory of his career so far.
The result also carries enormous championship significance. Antonelli leaves Monza 66 points clear of Russell in the Drivers’ Championship, strengthening his position as he chases what would be his first Formula 1 world title.
From 19th on the grid to the top step of the podium, it was already a remarkable drive. To do it as an Italian at Monza, in front of a sea of celebrating home fans, made it something much more special.
