Kimi Antonelli triumphs in Monza: young Formula 1 star on course for the World Cup

Drenched in sweat and champagne, Kimi Antonelli let the Tifosi carry him in their hands after his Formula 1 magic trick in Monza. The young Mercedes star's brilliant overtaking show at his home game in Italy seemed like a preliminary World Cup decision, and the 20-year-old is gradually running out of superlatives in the paddock. Antonelli “walked on water,” explained team boss Toto Wolff and said: “He is like an AI agent who is continually improving himself and learning.”

Wolff had already compared his protégé with icon Ayrton Senna before the magical day at the Autodromo Nazionale. Former world champion Nico Rosberg said after the Silver Arrows driver's incredible comeback from 19th place on the grid to victory at Sky: “He drove like a Michael Schumacher. Everything was done perfectly, really phenomenal, and in the second year of Formula 1.”

Only John Watson, starting from 22nd place on the grid in the USA in 1983, overtook more drivers than Antonelli in a Grand Prix victory. “I'm still shaking, it's unbelievable,” revealed Italy's new sports hero long after crossing the finish line. The “Gazzetta dello Sport” celebrated “one of the most unforgettable victories in the history of Formula 1”.

Hamilton is annoyed by Ferrari's strategy: "Long ago too late"

The duped competition could only be amazed. Visibly frustrated, Ferrari superstar Lewis Hamilton had to let the young world championship leader take the lead role in the emotional scenes around the winners' podium. “I’m sure this is the greatest feeling ever for him,” Hamilton expressed during the interview.

Actually, the stage in Ferrari land seemed to be set for the Brit to turn the world championship race around. But while being banished to the back of the grid because of an unauthorized engine change gave Antonelli an adrenaline rush, the effect of the new Ferrari drive was lost.

After sixth place and now 76 points behind the championship leader, Hamilton found himself, as he did last in Zandvoort, in a debate about team strategy. «It's like this: we always achieve the same result. We have to change something, because we can't make progress like this," complained the 41-year-old, who was set back early on by a tough duel with stable rival Charles Leclerc.

Hamilton would have long wished that Ferrari would rely solely on him in the title race. After the blow in the neck at Monza, the record champion sees almost everything lost. “It is long too late - too late for these decisions. “It’s many, many weeks too late,” said Hamilton.

Mercedes rival Russell gives up the fight

The badly beaten George Russell has also lost faith in his chance of winning the title. Like Hamilton, the Mercedes driver failed to capitalize on his teammate's grid handicap. Helplessly overtaken by Antonelli shortly before the end, Russell then had to put in a lot of effort to keep his composure. «I'm no longer thinking about a comeback. I accept it as it is. “I want to enjoy the rest of the season and try to win as many races as possible,” said the World Championship runner-up.

But to do that, Russell would have to get past the wonder boy Antonelli, who has seemed unstoppable since the Monza rush of luck - and still obediently sticks to old sports wisdom. “There are still many races left, anything can still happen. We've seen how quickly things can turn. I have to take advantage of every chance I get,” said the Italian.

His boss Toto Wolff is also not worried that, despite all the hype, Antonelli will lose his head in the remaining meters to his World Cup triumph. “He has a great family. This protects him from lifting off the ground. I also push down a little when necessary. “But I don’t see a big danger with him,” said the Austrian.

The inspired Antonelli allowed himself a few moments in the midst of the euphoric fans in Monza and assured: “I will always remember this.” But then he set his sights on the next stops, starting with the Formula 1 premiere in Madrid on Sunday (3 p.m./RTL and Sky). “The best is yet to come,” Antonelli said.