Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli wins Italian Grand Prix from 19th on the grid

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli secured his first Formula One win at the Italian Grand Prix, moving from 19th on the starting grid to first place with three laps remaining. The victory, which came after a virtual safety car period and a pit stop for fresh tyres, allowed Antonelli to close a 15-second deficit and pass teammate George Russell for the lead, widening his championship advantage to 66 points.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen finished third, while McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri completed the podium places. Ferrari’s performance was disappointing, with Charles Leclerc retiring early after a crash at the Parabolica and Lewis Hamilton finishing sixth.

Antonelli, who started from the back due to a penalty for exceeding his allocated engine components, climbed to 12th by lap three and then progressed through the field as the race unfolded. After a restart, he joined a six-car train behind Russell, eventually overtaking several rivals, including Pierre Gasly and Hamilton, before challenging his teammate for the lead.

"I did not expect it, unbelievable. I am so happy, I could never imagine being here today," Antonelli said after the race.

Russell, who led much of the event, struggled with tyre wear toward the end and was passed by Antonelli. He acknowledged the difficulty, stating that he had been aware of Antonelli’s pace after the restart and would have preferred to finish first.

The race featured multiple safety car periods, including a virtual safety car triggered by Lance Stroll’s car failure, which influenced team strategies. Antonelli’s win marks the second-farthest back a driver has started to win a Grand Prix, after John Watson’s 1983 victory from 22nd position.