MONZA, Italy: Kimi Antonelli won the Italian Grand Prix at Monza after overcoming a back-of-grid start and a late fight with Mercedes teammate George Russell.
The victory made Antonelli the first Italian to win the Italian Grand Prix in 60 years, according to Sky Sports F1 commentator Martin Brundle.
Antonelli benefited from an earlier red flag after Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc crashed heavily at the Parabolica. Leclerc hit the barriers in a 60G impact after losing control on the exit of the corner.
Russell had been leading after passing Alpine’s Pierre Gasly early in the race. However, a virtual safety car on lap 28 prompted Mercedes to split its strategy.
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Antonelli stopped for fresh tyres while Russell stayed out. Antonelli then closed a gap of about 15 seconds and worked back through traffic before catching his teammate.
Antonelli eventually passed Russell approaching the Ascari chicane and stayed ahead to take the victory. Russell’s tyres were about 50 laps old by the chequered flag.
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Ferrari endured a difficult home race. Leclerc had earlier made contact with teammate Lewis Hamilton at the opening chicane before his later crash ended his afternoon.
Lando Norris won a late McLaren battle with Oscar Piastri, finishing two-tenths of a second ahead after passing him on the final lap.
