Kimi Antonelli Wins Italian GP from 19th on Grid to Make History in Monza

Antonelli climbed 18 positions throughout the afternoon, according to race reports from outlets including Estadão. The young Italian started at the back of the grid due to a FIA penalty after Mercedes replaced his power unit. Despite the setback, he pressed his teammate and eventually claimed the top step of the podium in front of a jubilant home crowd.

A Chaotic Start and Early Drama at Monza

The race began with Pierre Gasly holding his starting position from Alpine through the opening corners, while drama unfolded further back. Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc collided during the opening laps, leaving the seven-time world champion trailing. Over team radio, Hamilton voiced immediate frustration regarding the contact with his rival, as reported by Estadão.

On lap three, the race took a dramatic turn when Leclerc lost control of his Ferrari at the Parabolica curve. The car slammed heavily into the safety barriers, destroying the vehicle and bringing out a red flag. While Leclerc walked away unharmed, television broadcasts captured visibly emotional fans in the grandstands mourning the premature exit of the home team’s primary contender.

Strategic Resurgence and Antonelli’s Charge

Following a nearly 40-minute stoppage to repair the barriers, the race resumed with a standing start. Drivers adjusted their tyre strategies, with leaders shifting to hard compounds while others opted for mediums. Antonelli, who had launched his recovery drive early on hard tyres, switched to medium compounds during the red flag period and sliced through the midfield.

By the 10th lap, Antonelli had broken into the top six. Up front, Max Verstappen applied relentless pressure, eventually wrestling the lead away from George Russell on lap 12 down the main straight. As strategies evolved and pit stops shuffled the order, Antonelli maintained his pace, applying heavy pressure to the front-runners before seizing the lead definitively on lap 51.

Historic Milestone and Brazilian Rookie’s Recovery

Antonelli’s victory marks the first time an Italian driver has won the Italian Grand Prix in 60 years. The last home-country winner at Monza was Ludovico Scarfiotti, who triumphed in 1966 driving for Ferrari, according to records highlighted by Estadão. George Russell completed a Mercedes one-two finish in second, with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen rounding out the podium in third.

Further down the order, Brazilian rookie Gabriel Bortoleto experienced a difficult restart following the red flag, dropping as far back as 17th place. The Audi driver mounted a resilient recovery drive, ultimately crossing the finish line in 11th position, narrowly missing out on the points-paying positions.

Looking Ahead to the Next Round

The Formula 1 season continues with teams and drivers preparing for the next scheduled Grand Prix on the calendar. Official updates, practice schedules, and further session timetables can be tracked directly through the official Formula 1 website.