Italian GP: Mercedes Driver Kimi Wins After Stunning 19th-To-1st Recovery Drive

Mercedes-Benz and Italian racing driver Kimi Antonelli won the Formula 1 Pirelli Gran Premio d’Italia on Sunday, securing his first victory at home thanks to a spectacular recovery drive after starting 19th on the grid as a result of a penalty.

Kimi’s emphatic drive from 19th on the grid to take his seventh Grand Prix win of the season marks 60 years since an Italian driver last stood on the top step of the podium at Monza. His team-mate George Russell finished second, while Max Verstappen took third place.

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“This is a day I will remember forever! It’s certainly the most extraordinary victory of my career so far. It’s the best podium of the season, and seeing the entire start/finish straight packed with people cheering and supporting us was a dream,” Kimi said after the action-packed race, in which he completed 26 overtakes.

Kimi’s performance also marked Mercedes’ 250th Grand Prix victory as an engine manufacturer, as well as the brand’s eighth win at Monza and its first victory at the “Temple of Speed” since 2018.

“It’s frustrating to be so close to victory and then fall short. But that’s racing. Nevertheless, it’s a great result for the team, and I want to congratulate Kimi on his home win,” said George Russell, who couldn’t capitalise on his second-place starting position.

With his victory at Monza, Antonelli extended his lead at the top of the Drivers’ Championship over second-placed George Russell. The Italian now leads the standings with 267 points, while his British team-mate is second on 201 points, 66 points behind.

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