Kimi Antonelli becomes first Italian in 60 years to win at Monza

Kimi Antonelli turned a penalty-induced start from 19th place into a historic victory at Monza, becoming the first Italian to win the race in 60 years.

The 20-year-old Mercedes driver overtook more than 25 cars and moved into first place by passing teammate George Russell in the closing stages. Ludovico Scarfiotti, who won for Ferrari in 1966, had been the last Italian to triumph at Monza.

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This is a dream come true. What an incredible day. I could not have done it without my team, my family and everyone who supports me.

Antonelli described the result as a dream and credited his team, family and supporters. He said he had not been thinking about victory while running behind everyone in 19th place, but began hoping for points after the restart.

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When I was sitting in 19th position behind all the drivers, of course I was not thinking about winning, but after the restart, I admit I started hoping for points. The team did a really great job.

Russell, who led for much of the race, finished second. Max Verstappen took third for Red Bull, ahead of McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Russell said he struggled with his tires, while Verstappen congratulated Antonelli and said the other drivers had been too fast to hold off.

The race stopped after two laps following a serious crash involving Ferrari's Charles Leclerc at the exit of the Parabolica corner. Leclerc got out of the car himself and escaped injury.

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Many congratulations to Kimi, of course, an incredible result for him. In the end I was struggling with the tires.

Antonelli's seventh win of the season increased his championship lead to 267 points. Russell has 201, and Lewis Hamilton is third with 191. The next race is the Spanish Grand Prix in a week.

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There were some good battles, I was trying to hold on, but they were simply too fast. I am happy with third place and to be on the podium here.