Antonelli storms Monza from 19th to win as Wolff predicted the feat

Kimi Antonelli wins Italian Grand Prix after dramatic comeback from 19th

Kimi Antonelli claimed victory at the Italian Grand Prix after starting 19th on the grid, team principal Toto Wolff said he had anticipated a win, and George Russell finished second leaving Antonelli 66 points clear in the standings.

Antonelli began the race at the back due to a grid penalty and rose to 14th after the opening lap. He was 12th at the end of lap two when Charles Leclerc’s crash brought out a red flag, and on the lap after the restart he climbed into the top eight.

Progressing through the field, Antonelli reached third by lap 13 and continued to close on the leaders. Mercedes split strategies during a later virtual safety car period, fitting Antonelli with fresh tyres while Russell stayed on hard tyres. Rejoining about 14.3 seconds behind Russell with 24 laps remaining, Antonelli methodically reduced the gap and passed Russell for the lead with a few laps to go despite briefly running off into the gravel.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

Wolff said he had sensed Antonelli’s mindset and form across the weekend and spoke with the driver’s father before the race, both indicating a strong belief in Antonelli’s potential to win. Mercedes’ strategic call to change Antonelli’s tyres during the virtual safety car altered the race dynamics, and Antonelli capitalised on pace and overtaking to secure victory.

Russell acknowledged the outcome and noted that without the virtual safety car the result might have differed, while also recognizing Antonelli’s performance. The win extended Antonelli’s championship lead to 66 points over Russell.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• Kimi Antonelli won the Italian Grand Prix after starting 19th on the grid.
• Toto Wolff said he had expected one of his drivers to win and had foreseen Antonelli’s strong weekend.
• Mercedes split strategies in a virtual safety car, fitting Antonelli with fresh tyres, which proved decisive.