Kimi Antonelli secured a remarkable victory at the Italian Grand Prix, starting from 19th on the grid. This triumph at Monza marks a significant moment, as it has been 60 years since an Italian driver last won their home race. The 20-year-old’s performance has been described as exceptional, showcasing both skill and racecraft.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff expressed confidence in Antonelli’s potential for a strong showing, even predicting a win. Wolff noted that he sensed a “special moment” was possible, observing Antonelli’s energy levels and mindset. He also mentioned a conversation with Antonelli’s father, who reportedly shared a similar premonition.
Antonelli’s win is his seventh race victory of the season and extends his championship lead to 66 points. His teammate, George Russell, who started on the front row, finished second. The victory has been hailed by pundits, with Martin Brundle referring to Antonelli as “King Kimi,” and Nico Rosberg praising his flawless drive.
Antonelli’s remarkable comeback
Despite starting from the penultimate row due to a grid penalty for exceeding engine component usage, Antonelli made swift progress through the field. He was 14th after the first lap and advanced to 12th by the end of lap two. A red flag incident, caused by Charles Leclerc’s crash, provided an opportunity for a second start, which Antonelli capitalised on.
Following the restart, Antonelli quickly moved up to eighth and then seventh, navigating past several competitors including Lando Norris’ McLaren. By lap 13, he was in third place, closely trailing Max Verstappen and Russell. The Mercedes drivers then found themselves running one-two, exchanging positions at the front.
A virtual safety car (VSC) period, triggered by Lance Stroll’s Aston Martin breaking down, played a role in the race strategy. Mercedes opted to pit Antonelli for new medium tyres, while Russell continued on his hard tyres. Wolff explained that splitting strategies was a deliberate decision, as the optimal tyre choice was uncertain at the time.
Antonelli, rejoining 14.3 seconds behind Russell, demonstrated impressive pace, closing the gap with five laps remaining. Despite a brief off-track moment at turn one, he overtook Russell between the second Lesmo corner and Ascari, securing the lead. The home crowd erupted in cheers as he crossed the finish line, celebrating the end of a 60-year wait for an Italian winner at Monza.
Impact on the championship
Antonelli’s victory has significantly impacted the championship standings. Russell, who had aimed to reduce Antonelli’s 59-point lead, now finds himself 66 points behind. Russell acknowledged the impact of the VSC, suggesting that the race outcome might have been different without it, but he also praised Antonelli’s overall performance.
Wolff reflected on Antonelli’s journey, noting that the win represented a “circle closed” after a challenging introduction to Formula 1 two years prior. At that time, Antonelli experienced a difficult moment during a free practice session at Monza, which Wolff described as “probably the toughest moment in his career.” This recent triumph stands as a testament to his development and resilience.
Wolff highlighted Antonelli’s ability to navigate traffic as a key differentiator, comparing it to performances by other notable drivers. He also spoke about Antonelli’s rapid development, likening it to an “AI agent that continuously self-improves and learns.” This cognitive and intellectual ability, combined with his age, is seen as beneficial to his progress.
Antonelli himself expressed his joy, stating that the win is one he will “remember forever.” He credited the support from the fans at Monza for providing “that little bit extra to push more.” The upcoming Spanish Grand Prix at the new Madring circuit in Madrid will be the next event for Formula 1.
Source: bbc.co.uk