Antonelli charges from 19th to win Italian Grand Prix, closing in on title
Kimi Antonelli won the Italian Grand Prix at Monza after starting 19th on the grid, taking the lead with three laps remaining. He passed teammate George Russell to become the first Italian winner at Monza in 60 years. The victory moves him closer to becoming the youngest Formula 1 champion in history.
Antonelli's charge from 19th place required just 17 laps to reach the front of the field, and he then engaged in a prolonged duel with teammate George Russell before making the decisive pass with three laps remaining. The victory marks his seventh of the season and extends his championship lead to 66 points over Russell, who acknowledged that Antonelli is "deserving" of controlling the title race.
The win represents the second-largest comeback in Formula 1 history, trailing only John Watson's 1983 victory at Long Beach from 22nd on the grid. Antonelli's grid penalty stemmed from Mercedes' decision to replace his power unit, while Ferrari's home race was marred by Charles Leclerc's early crash, leaving Lewis Hamilton sixth and Max Verstappen third behind the Mercedes pair.
This victory could reshape the narrative of the Formula 1 season, potentially accelerating Antonelli's path to becoming the youngest champion in the sport's history. The result may also boost Italian interest in F1, given the 60-year gap since a home driver won at Monza. For Mercedes, the one-two finish could strengthen team morale and commercial appeal, while rival teams may need to reassess their strategies for the remaining races.