Kimi Antonelli delivered a spectacular performance at the Italian Grand Prix, overcoming a 19th-place start to claim victory and significantly dent George Russell’s hopes of securing the world championship this season. Starting well down the order due to a grid penalty, Antonelli capitalised on a shrewd strategy, a powerful new engine, and exceptional overtaking skills to become the first Italian driver in 60 years to triumph at Monza.
Despite a nerve-wracking moment on the 49th lap when Antonelli ran wide at the Variante del Rettifilo gravel trap and dropped 1.7 seconds behind Russell, his superior tyre advantage quickly brought him back into contention. Seizing the opportunity on the next lap, Antonelli expertly passed the ailing Russell at Variante Ascari, taking the lead and eventually crossing the finish line 3.8 seconds ahead.
This victory extends Antonelli’s championship lead from 59 to 66 points, echoing the historic feat of fellow Italian Ludovico Scarfiotti, who won at Monza around the time England claimed the World Cup in 1966. Max Verstappen finished third, followed by world champion Lando Norris in fourth and Oscar Piastri in fifth. Lewis Hamilton struggled throughout, finishing sixth, while Ferrari endured a disappointing race after Charles Leclerc’s crash on the second lap.
READ MORE: Sale Sharks 50 Bath Rugby 28: Full Recap and Reactions from the Prem Rugby Cup Clash
READ MORE: Weston-super-Mare pre-school praised for outstanding care and education in Ofsted report
Leclerc lost control exiting the fast Curva Parabolica during an early battle with Piastri, crashing heavily into the barriers and sustaining significant damage. Showing apparent neck pain, Leclerc was attended to by medical staff but was later given the all-clear.
The race saw intense battles, particularly between Mercedes drivers Antonelli and Russell. After a 30-minute red flag caused by Leclerc’s accident, Russell led the restarted race and engaged in a fierce battle with Verstappen. Antonelli climbed steadily through the field, trading places multiple times with Russell for the lead. Mercedes eventually instructed their drivers to avoid further position swaps to maintain their advantage over Verstappen.
A timely Virtual Safety Car on lap 28 prompted Antonelli to pit for medium tyres, while Russell remained on harder compounds. This strategic call proved crucial as Antonelli closed a 14-second gap, cutting Russell’s lead to just five seconds with ten laps remaining. Despite Russell’s pleas to drive without risks, Antonelli’s persistence paid off with a stunning late-race pass to secure his seventh win of the season.
Hamilton’s race saw moments of promise as he reached third position but ultimately finished sixth. With ten rounds remaining, the seven-time world champion now trails Antonelli by 76 points in the championship standings.