Kimi Antonelli wins the Italian Grand Prix in Monza after 60 years
Quick Look
- Kimi Antonelli, Italian Mercedes driver, wins the Italian Grand Prix in Monza starting from the back of the grid, becoming the first Italian to triumph on the circuit since 1966.
- George Russell and Max Verstappen are also on the podium.
- Lewis Hamilton finishes sixth with Ferrari, the only one to finish after Charles Leclerc's accident.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The last Italian to win the Monza Grand Prix was Ludovico Scarfiotti in 1966 with Ferrari. Since then no Italian driver had managed to impose himself on the Brianza circuit.
Historic feat by Kimi Antonelli. The Italian from Mercedes, leader of the drivers' world championship, wins the Italian GP in Monza after starting from the back. Second place for teammate George Russell. Third on the podium is Max Verstappen with Red Bull. Behind him were the McLarens of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, while Lewis Hamilton finished sixth with the Ferrari, the only one at the finish line after the accident that sidelined Charles Leclerc on the fourth lap.
An Italian returns to win the Monza Grand Prix after 60 years. Before Kimi Antonelli, the feat had been achieved way back in 1966 by Ludovico Scarfiotti with Ferrari.
"Thank you for the support. It's incredible. I never imagined it but we did it." These are the first words of Kimi Antonelli, visibly tried and emotional, after the victory in Monza. "A dream come true, I could never have done it without my family and my team." The Mercedes driver began by greeting the audience in Italian who reciprocated with applause, even though there was no shortage of boos. "As for the race, there's a lot to analyse. The exit from the track to pass Russell? It was a rather scary moment, I went straight and thought I'd missed the opportunity."
"The victory was a dream and today I realized it. After the second start I said to myself: 'I have to win this'. My goodness, what a day!". Kimi Antonelli says this to Sky's microphones while celebrating the victory in Monza. "During the race I saw the right-hand grandstand and they were all excited - he says - It gave me an incredible boost that gave me that something extra".
Kimi Antonelli cries on the podium after his victory in the Monza Grand Prix. The Mercedes driver melts after listening to Mameli's anthem. Antonelli is the first Italian to win in Monza since 1966 and waves a tricolor flag after the awards ceremony, receiving an ovation from the public. While waiting for the winner, the speakers of the Monza circuit broadcast "'Nel blu, painted blue" by Domenico Modugno, also sung by foreign fans. "Kimi, Kimi", the chorus with which the Mercedes driver invokes those who take to the track to celebrate him under the sun. Closing the playlist comes "Sarà Because I Love You" by Ricchi e Poveri, sung by the thousands of people under the podium, in a riot of emotions.
Open Questions
- What was the exact reason for Charles Leclerc's exit from the track on lap four?
- How did the race strategy influence Antonelli's victory after starting from the back?
