MONZA, Italy — Kimi Antonelli rose from the back of the grid to claim victory in Sunday’s Italian Grand Prix at the the Autodromo Nazionale Monza.
Th victory capped off a brilliant comeback drive, as Antonelli passed Mercedes teammate and title rival George Russell in the closing laps. Russell finished second.
Antonelli started his home race down in 19th position after an engine penalty, with Russell on the front row of the grid, but the youngster rapidly climbed to the front of the field via a devastating blend of pace and smart overtaking.
A mid-race Virtual Safety Car played its part in the outcome, when Antonelli opted to pit under caution for a fresh set of medium tires, and Russell stayed out on used hards, which gradually faded and made his life more difficult.
Aside from a brief trip through the gravel as he attacked Russell late on, Antonelli could not be faulted across 53 laps at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza – making another huge statement in his quest for the world championship.
It was Antonelli’s seventh victory of the season, but first since the Belgian Grand Prix in mid-July.
Russell had to settle for second place, crossing the line some four seconds behind Antonelli.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen completed the podium finishers in a determined display that also featured several bold passes.
McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri finished fourth and fifth, respectively.
Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton claimed sixth, while polesitter Pierre Gasly brought his Alpine home in seventh.
Antonelli leads Russell by 66 points in the championship battle.
