Daily News 19

Tag: Kimi Antonelli

  • Power Rankings: Who Impressed Judges at the 2026 Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix

    Power Rankings: Who Impressed Judges at the 2026 Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix

    F1 Power Rankings: Antonelli’s Historic Monza Masterclass Tops Latest Standings

    Kimi Antonelli delivered one of the most remarkable victories in recent Formula 1 history at the Italian Grand Prix, earning a perfect 10 in the latest Power Rankings after charging from 19th on the grid to win at Monza.

    Antonelli’s Drive for the Ages Secures Perfect Score

    Starting from P19 following power unit penalties, the Mercedes rookie was expected to merely limit damage to his championship lead. Instead, he produced an all-time great performance, slicing through the field to battle teammate George Russell for the lead before the halfway mark. A perfectly timed pit stop under the Virtual Safety Car put Antonelli on fresher medium tyres, allowing him to hunt down Russell and pass his title rival with four laps remaining. The victory made him the first Italian driver to win his home Grand Prix in 60 years.

    Gasly’s Qualifying Mastery Earns High Marks

    Pierre Gasly’s Saturday heroics nearly matched Antonelli’s Sunday brilliance. The Alpine driver maximized the Mercedes power unit to top both Q1 and Q3, securing his maiden Formula 1 pole position. Though race pace proved insufficient to hold the lead over 53 laps — Gasly finished seventh — he remained comfortably the best of the rest at a circuit where he claimed his only F1 victory six years ago.

    Verstappen Continues Podium Consistency

    Despite a straight-line speed deficit to the Mercedes-powered cars, Max Verstappen again proved a formidable opponent. The Red Bull driver surged from fifth to second early on, even leading for three laps before being overtaken by both Mercedes drivers. A VSC pit stop mirrored Antonelli’s strategy, and Verstappen charged back to third for his third podium in four races.

    Lindblad’s Quiet Consistency Lifts Racing Bulls

    Arvid Lindblad continued his under-the-radar excellence with an eighth-place finish. Starting ninth, the Racing Bulls rookie benefited from Charles Leclerc’s crash and Franco Colapinto’s off-track excursion at the Lesmos. The result extends Lindblad’s scoring streak to seven points finishes in the last eight races, keeping Racing Bulls ahead of Alpine in the constructors’ standings.

    Russell’s Opportunity Slips Away

    George Russell arrived at Monza facing a 59-point championship deficit to Antonelli, with his teammate’s grid penalty presenting a golden opportunity. The Briton qualified second — his final Q3 lap slightly compromised by Verstappen — and led the race comfortably until the VSC period. Battery management and slipstream effects prevented Russell from building a buffer, while his hard tyre stint ruled out a VSC pit stop. Despite a flawless weekend, Russell leaves Monza seven points further behind in the standings.

    Piastri Rebounds as McLaren Struggles for Race Pace

    Oscar Piastri returned to form after a difficult Zandvoort weekend, qualifying third before a three-place grid penalty for impeding Liam Lawson. The Australian recovered strongly, passing Lewis Hamilton for fourth and pressuring teammate Lando Norris in the closing laps. Norris, the reigning champion, could only manage eighth in qualifying as McLaren lacked race-winning pace despite the Mercedes power unit. He recovered to fifth, passing Piastri on the final lap at the Ascari chicane.

    Bortoleto So Close, Tsunoda Back in Points

    Gabriel Bortoleto missed Q3 by a mere 0.001 seconds for Audi, though Antonelli’s penalty promoted him into the top 10 start. The Brazilian finished 11th, seven seconds shy of points. Yuki Tsunoda, in his second race back with Racing Bulls, climbed from 15th to tenth, potentially strengthening his case for a 2025 seat. Red Bull confirmed Liam Lawson will remain with the senior team in Madrid, replacing the injured Isack Hadjar.

    Sainz Leads Williams Charge

    Williams anticipated difficulties at Monza but Carlos Sainz salvaged 13th, finishing ahead of Lawson’s Red Bull and both upgraded Haas cars, just 16 seconds from the points.

    Just Missing the Top 10

    Franco Colapinto and Ollie Bearman narrowly missed the Power Rankings top 10. Colapinto ran as high as third for Alpine before an off-track moment dropped him to ninth, while Bearman utilized Haas upgrades to finish 15th.

  • The 8 biggest recovery drives to win in Formula 1 history

    The 8 biggest recovery drives to win in Formula 1 history

    Kimi Antonelli has etched his name into Formula 1 history, joining an elite group of drivers who have converted a lowly grid slot into a grand prix victory. The Mercedes rookie achieved the feat in stunning fashion on home soil at the 2026 Italian Grand Prix, surging from 19th on the grid to claim the top step of the podium at Monza.

    Antonelli’s drive continues a rich tradition of comeback victories. Here is a look back at the other drivers who stared at a sea of rear wings on the starting grid only to greet the chequered flag first.

    8. Michael Schumacher — 1995 Belgian Grand Prix (Started 16th)

    Michael Schumacher amassed 91 grand prix wins during his illustrious career, but none came from lower than 16th on the grid. At Spa-Francorchamps in 1995, the German sliced through the field during a phase that saw early leader David Coulthard retire. A strategic gamble on slick tyres as rain arrived proved decisive.

    Schumacher moved into the lead and produced a masterclass in defensive driving, holding off a frustrated Damon Hill on wet-weather tyres despite his own inferior rubber. The Williams driver eventually forced a pass, only to spin moments later. Hill returned to the pits for slicks on a drying track, but the timing backfired as the rain returned with intensity. Both men switched back to wets, but Hill’s challenge evaporated due to a pit-lane speeding penalty, handing Schumacher a clear run to victory.

    7. Kimi Räikkönen — 2005 Japanese Grand Prix (Started 17th)

    Qualifying at Suzuka took place in changeable conditions during the era of single-lap qualifying, leaving the usual front-runners scattered down the order. Newly crowned champion Fernando Alonso lined up 16th, with Kimi Räikkönen one place further back in 17th.

    The race developed into a frenetic spectacle featuring spectacular wheel-to-wheel action. Räikkönen and Alonso carved through the pack, with the McLaren driver leading the charge. A late refuelling stop placed Räikkönen on the tail of Alonso’s Renault teammate, Giancarlo Fisichella. He hunted down the Italian in the closing stages and, on the final lap, seized the outside line to sweep past Fisichella for a remarkable comeback win.

    6. Max Verstappen — 2024 São Paulo Grand Prix (Started 17th)

    After winning seven of the opening ten rounds in 2024, Max Verstappen endured a 10-race winless streak that saw his championship lead over Lando Norris gradually erode. Qualifying in Brazil was postponed to Sunday morning due to weather, and a disrupted session left Verstappen 12th in classification; a power-unit penalty dropped him to 17th on the grid, effectively a net 15th after two cars ahead failed to start.

    From there, the Dutchman delivered a masterclass in treacherous conditions. He carved through the field before a mid-race red flag allowed a free switch to fresh wet tyres. Though still behind Esteban Ocon at the restart, Verstappen overhauled the Alpine within a handful of laps and streaked to victory by nearly 20 seconds — a drive that all but sealed a fourth consecutive world title.

    5. John Watson — 1982 Detroit Grand Prix (Started 17th)

    John Watson qualified only 17th for Formula 1’s inaugural visit to the streets of Detroit, a weekend marred by organisational issues and tricky conditions. Opting for the harder tyre compound proved a tactical masterstroke.

    Watson dispatched rivals with aplomb, highlighted by a stunning trio of overtakes on a single lap — one on teammate Niki Lauda. He quickly reeled in and passed an ailing Keke Rosberg before pulling away to a comfortable victory. Remarkably, this was not even Watson’s lowest-starting win.

    4. Rubens Barrichello — 2000 German Grand Prix (Started 18th)

    A chaotic qualifying session left Rubens Barrichello down in 18th, but the Brazilian made immediate amends, blasting his Ferrari past rivals on the long, full-throttle straights of the old Hockenheim layout.

    A safety car period — triggered by a track invader — bunched the field, and a McLaren communication mix-up elevated Barrichello to second behind Mika Häkkinen. When rain arrived, Häkkinen pitted for wet tyres, but Barrichello stayed out on slicks. With the vast circuit only partially damp, the dry sections allowed him to maintain pace and secure a remarkable maiden victory after seven seasons in the sport.

    3. Bill Vukovich — 1954 Indianapolis 500 (Started 19th)

    During the 1950s, the Indianapolis 500 counted toward the World Championship, yet few Formula 1 regulars contested the event, making these races historical outliers. Bill Vukovich was a specialist at the Brickyard, winning in 1953 and 1954.

    For his second triumph, Vukovich started 19th and worked his way forward to claim victory, though this remains shy of the Indy 500 record of wins from 28th on the grid. Tragically, Vukovich lost his life in an accident while leading the following year’s race.

    2. Kimi Antonelli — 2026 Italian Grand Prix (Started 19th)

    Reliability issues earlier in 2026 placed Kimi Antonelli on course for a grid penalty for exceeding his power-unit component allocation. Mercedes elected to take the hit strategically at Monza.

    Antonelli started 19th after Liam Lawson and Fernando Alonso opted for pit-lane starts. He was running 12th when the race was red-flagged for Charles Leclerc’s accident. At the restart, Antonelli vaulted to eighth and rapidly picked off rivals, swapping the lead with teammate George Russell. A mid-race pit stop dropped him back, but superior pace and fresher tyres allowed him to hunt down the lead once more. He survived a late scare after a mistake exiting the first chicane to hold on for a historic maiden win on home soil.

    1. John Watson — 1983 United States Grand Prix West (Started 22nd)

    The lowest grid slot ever converted into a Formula 1 victory belongs to John Watson at Long Beach in 1983. McLaren was competitive in race trim but struggled for one-lap pace on the bumpy street circuit, leaving Watson and Lauda 22nd and 23rd respectively — four seconds off pole.

    Hampered by poor qualifying tyre performance, the McLarens came alive on race day. In an attritional contest, both drivers sliced through the field, gaining positions through overtaking and rival misfortunes. Such was the M23’s race pace that Watson crossed the line almost half a minute clear of Lauda, with only René Arnoux’s Ferrari — over a minute adrift — remaining on the lead lap.

  • Juan Pablo Montoya: Mercedes Should Have Double-Stacked George Russell, Kimi Antonelli at Monza

    Juan Pablo Montoya: Mercedes Should Have Double-Stacked George Russell, Kimi Antonelli at Monza

    Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has criticized Mercedes’ strategy during the Italian Grand Prix, arguing the team compromised George Russell’s race victory chances by failing to double-stack their drivers under the Virtual Safety Car.

    Montoya Questions Mercedes Pit Strategy at Monza

    Mercedes secured a dominant 1-2 finish at Monza, led by home favorite Andrea Kimi Antonelli. The rookie recovered from 19th on the grid to become the first Italian winner at the circuit since 1966. However, Russell controlled the early phases of the race and appeared the primary candidate for victory before a mid-race Virtual Safety Car period altered the complexion of the Grand Prix.

    The British driver was leading at the time but was left out on track while Antonelli pitted. The Italian subsequently sliced through the field and overtook his teammate for the win.

    Montoya: Russell Should Have Received Priority Stop

    Speaking on F1 TV’s post-race show, Montoya argued Mercedes should have given Russell the priority pitstop.

    “He was leading and he should have had the priority on the pitstop. When that virtual safety car came, at that point, it’s quicker to stop than staying out. They should have stopped him, they should have double-stacked him, and he should have stopped ahead of Antonelli,” the Colombian explained.

    “And I’m not saying Antonelli wouldn’t still catch him and win the race, but it would have been a really close fight like we saw earlier on. It would have been a really cool race at the end for all of us.”

    Wolff Defends Strategy, Cites Tyre Constraints

    Team principal Toto Wolff addressed suggestions the Brackley outfit’s strategy favoured Antonelli.

    “The two-stop was the best but we didn’t think it was the case, so that was good for him actually,” he told Sky Sports F1 after the race.

    “But today there was nothing that would have stopped him [Antonelli]. George fought with worn-out tools at the end, so I’m really happy for the one-two.”

    When asked if there were any alternative strategic options for Russell, Wolff added:

    “No, George was on the hard and we needed to go on the one-stop so there was no chance.”

  • Has Monza Made Mercedes the Betting Favourites Again?

    Has Monza Made Mercedes the Betting Favourites Again?

    Mercedes secured a dominant 1-2 finish at the Italian Grand Prix, with Kimi Antonelli delivering a sensational victory at Monza. Our expert betting analysts examine the championship implications for Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull following the Silver Arrows’ commanding performance.

    Mercedes Dominates at Monza

    The Italian Grand Prix produced a statement result for Mercedes as the team locked out the top two positions. Antonelli’s breakthrough win marks a significant milestone in the young driver’s career and signals a potential shift in the competitive order heading into the final stretch of the season.

    Championship Rivals Respond

    Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull now face critical strategic decisions as they assess the fallout from Mercedes’ resurgence. Each constructor must evaluate setup directions, development priorities, and race-weekend operations to counter the sudden pace advantage shown by the Brackley-based squad.

    Betting Markets React

    Our expert betting writers have analyzed the latest odds movements across all major markets. The Mercedes 1-2 has triggered significant shifts in constructors’ championship pricing, drivers’ title futures, and individual race winner markets for upcoming Grands Prix.

  • From FP1 Debut Crash to Charging Home Victory: How Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli ‘Closed the Circle’ at Monza

    From FP1 Debut Crash to Charging Home Victory: How Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli ‘Closed the Circle’ at Monza

    Antonelli’s Meteoric Rise: From Rookie Struggles to Championship Leader

    Kimi Antonelli’s 2025 Formula 1 campaign has transformed from a cautious apprenticeship into a dominant title charge. The Mercedes driver arrived at the Barcelona shakedown in January appearing calm and confident in machinery built to all-new regulations, but his subsequent trajectory has exceeded even the most optimistic projections.

    Early Resilience Sets the Tone

    After backing up teammate George Russell at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix—where he recovered from an FP3 crash that threatened to derail his weekend—Antonelli rattled off four pole positions and five victories across the next five rounds. The pressure appeared to lift entirely, erasing earlier doubts and revealing the maturity team principal Toto Wolff had predicted since Antonelli’s karting days.

    “It kind of shows the decision we’ve taken last year, [that] giving him a year to learn while he was still 18 is going to monetise in the future,” Wolff told F1.com after Antonelli’s maiden Grand Prix pole in China. “You can see how he’s grown and how mature he is now.

    “One of the things we are most impressed by is that, compared to last year, Kimi is acting with so much maturity and cold-bloodedness to issues. He’s able to compartmentalise the debriefing, talk about what’s ahead and not what’s behind with a lot of confidence, but no over-confidence.

    “For a racing driver, beyond the skill of driving the car fast, that mental resilience is key, and that’s what Kimi is showing at the moment.”

    Since that Chinese breakthrough, Antonelli has added further podiums, only missing the rostrum in Barcelona and at Silverstone due to reliability issues. Those results have built a sizeable championship lead over Russell heading into the Italian Grand Prix.

    Monza Masterclass Extends Championship Advantage

    Last weekend at Monza presented a golden opportunity for Russell—starting from the front row—to claw back points after his own share of misfortune this season. Instead, Antonelli produced a drive for the ages, converting a 19th-place grid slot (following an engine-related penalty) into victory.

    He climbed to 12th after two laps, entered the points-paying positions shortly after the restart, hunted down Russell by one-third distance, and launched an initial lead bid on Lap 18. When the Mercedes drivers split strategies amid a mid-race Virtual Safety Car period, Wolff was unequivocal: “nothing would have stopped him.”

    “I thought one of the two is going to win,” added the Austrian team boss. “Either George, because he was on [the front row], or Kimi, because he’s going to walk over water here in Monza, and I felt that yesterday also.”

    Historical Significance for Italian Motorsport

    Antonelli’s Monza triumph marks the first victory for an Italian driver at the Temple of Speed since Ludovico Scarfiotti in 1966. The result moves him one step closer to becoming the first Italian to claim the F1 Drivers’ Championship since Alberto Ascari’s back-to-back titles in 1952-53.

    From crashing Russell’s car during a whirlwind Friday test session a couple of years ago to now leading the intra-team battle at Mercedes, Antonelli’s ascent has been nothing short of remarkable.

  • 7 Overlooked Moments at the 2026 Italian Grand Prix

    7 Overlooked Moments at the 2026 Italian Grand Prix

    Vettel Honors Schumacher with F2002 Demonstration at Monza

    Thirty years after Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari debut, the Temple of Speed hosted a poignant tribute from another German great. Ahead of Sunday’s Italian Grand Prix, Sebastian Vettel — who raced for the Scuderia from 2015 to 2020 — piloted Schumacher’s championship-winning Ferrari F2002 around Monza in front of the Tifosi. The F2002, one of Ferrari’s most successful cars with 15 victories across the 2002 and 2003 seasons, turned heads with the unmistakable scream of its V10 engine. “There is still a race to win, for my friend Michael,” Vettel wrote on social media.

    Tifosi Paint Piazza Del Duomo Red

    Nothing captures Italian Grand Prix weekend quite like a Piazza Del Duomo in Milan overflowing with Ferrari fans. Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton, and special guests entertained the crowd on a sunny afternoon. South Korean DJ Peggy Gou headlined the musical entertainment, and Leclerc even tried his hand at spinning the decks — though the two-time Italian GP winner might be better off sticking to driving. Hamilton chose to share the moment with his mother, Linda, who received one of the loudest cheers of the day and a true Tifosi welcome.

    The seven-time World Champion explained the significance of her visit: “And my mum’s here this weekend because she’s never experienced — she’s never actually, I don’t think, been to Monza — but also particularly on a Ferrari weekend. And I wanted her to experience that and, you know, bring any of the lucky dust she can bring.”

    Sainz Shines on the Venice Red Carpet

    Carlos Sainz swapped his race suit for Giorgio Armani elegance at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival. The Williams driver looked perfectly at home on the red carpet for the premiere of Danny Boyle’s new film Ink, accompanied by his partner Rebecca Donaldson.

    Lightning McQueen Celebrates 20 Years at the Temple of Speed

    Disney-Pixar’s Cars turns 20 this year, and the seven-time Piston Cup champion Lightning McQueen made a special appearance at Monza. While the iconic movie car didn’t race, the Safety Car wore a commemorative livery marking the anniversary. For drivers like Liam Lawson and Franco Colapinto, meeting their childhood hero in the paddock was a dream come true.

    Antonelli’s Helmet Pays Homage to Valentino Rossi

    Home hero Kimi Antonelli arrived at Monza leading the drivers’ standings and marked the occasion with a bespoke helmet design inspired by Italian MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi. The livery echoes the helmet Rossi wore at the 2002 Mugello Grand Prix, featuring the Italian flag, vignettes of daily life — an espresso cup, a slice of pizza — the sun, the sea, a family, and at the rear, two cartoon figures representing Antonelli and Rossi.

    Antonelli Enters the Disney Universe as Kimi Paperelli

    In a unique career milestone, a cartoon version of Antonelli — Kimi Paperelli — debuted in Topolino magazine this weekend, placing the Italian driver in the world of Duckburg. Joss Hastings, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Disney Consumer Products, explained the collaboration: “Fuel the Magic is all about bringing Disney storytelling into the world of Formula 1 in unexpected and creative ways. Seeing Kimi become Kimi Paperelli is especially meaningful knowing that he grew up reading Topolino and loving Donald Duck.”

    Barilla Transforms the Grid into a Dining Room

    Continuing an Italian tradition, F1’s Official Pasta Partner Barilla brought the Formula 1 family together for a special pre-race dinner. The starting grid was transformed into a unique dining room with an F1-inspired three-course menu, each course presented as a different ‘lap’. Few dinner reservations offer a view quite like the Monza grid.

  • Kimi Antonelli Sends Emotional Message to Fans After “Indescribable” Italian GP Victory

    Kimi Antonelli Sends Emotional Message to Fans After “Indescribable” Italian GP Victory

    Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli described his Italian Grand Prix victory as a “dream come true” in a message to fans after becoming the first home driver to win at Monza since 1966.

    Antonelli Overcomes Grid Penalty to Claim Historic Monza Win

    The 20-year-old Italian recovered from an engine penalty that dropped him to 19th on the starting grid to win Sunday’s race. Antonelli passed teammate George Russell in the closing stages to secure his seventh victory of the 2026 Formula 1 season.

    Italian Driver Thanks Monza Crowd on Social Media

    Taking to social media on Monday morning, Antonelli thanked the local crowd for their reception during the post-race podium ceremony.

    “P1 at home!! It’s hard to describe yesterday. It’s a dream come true,” Antonelli posted. “What I experienced is something I will never forget, the Monza podium is indescribable, the warmth of all the fans and the sea of people that never ends.

    “I really want to thank all the people who made this possible and who are making this year special.”

    Championship Lead Extended After Monza Triumph

    Following his win at Monza, Antonelli extended his lead in the drivers’ standings. He now holds a 66-point advantage over Mercedes teammate George Russell, who sits second in the championship.

    Antonelli Refuses to Get Ahead of Himself in Title Fight

    Antonelli was quizzed on the championship fight after the race. When asked by Sky Sports F1 if he was now of the mindset that the title is his to lose, he explained:

    “No, not at all. I just take race by race because you never know what can happen. Today went well, we had a massive opportunity and we took it, but of course next week we have Madrid and it’s going to be a new challenge. 

    “We will have to be on top of our game because it’s a new track for everyone and it’s going to be important to be on point in order to maximise the track time and everything. I’m going to enjoy this moment and then focus on the next one and then focus on the next one again until the end of the season.”

  • Why Toto Wolff Already Knew Kimi Antonelli “Would Walk on Water” at F1 Italian GP

    Why Toto Wolff Already Knew Kimi Antonelli “Would Walk on Water” at F1 Italian GP

    Just as Pierre Gasly delivered AlphaTauri a shock victory at Monza six years ago, 6 September 2026 became another historic date at the Temple of Speed. Home favorite Kimi Antonelli ignited the Italian tifosi with a stunning comeback drive, turning a weekend that began with tears after Charles Leclerc’s heavy Parabolica crash into pure euphoria.

    From 19th on the Grid to Victory Lane

    Antonelli’s triumph appeared impossible on paper. A power-unit change relegated him to 19th on the starting grid, a strategic move designed to remove pressure rather than chase glory. Yet the championship leader had already carved his way up to 12th by the time a red flag neutralized the race. After the restart, he sliced through the field with surgical precision, producing what he later described as the best Formula 1 victory of his young career.

    Wolff’s Premonition: “He’s Going to Walk on Water Here”

    Fernando Alonso’s podium prediction for Antonelli seemed optimistic, but Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff sensed something extraordinary brewing. He revealed the conviction he felt even before lights out:

    “I thought one of our two drivers was going to win. Either George, because he was on pole [Russell started second behind Gasly in the race], or Kimi, because he’s going to walk on water here in Monza. And I felt that yesterday also.”

    Wolff explained that the feeling crystallized after qualifying, rooted in the driver’s demeanor and a conversation with Antonelli’s father:

    “It’s been a while that I’ve seen driver’s energy levels, attitude, mindset, or behavioural patterns, and I knew that that was his mission today, to win the race.
    “I chatted with his father yesterday and the father also saw that coming.
    “These are those moments where you can see how a weekend is panning out through the sessions, feeling that a special moment could come. But it’s still a mechanical sport, so it can change quickly.”

    A Victory for the History Books

    Only John Watson’s 1983 Long Beach win from 22nd on the grid surpasses Antonelli’s climb from 19th. Asked where this ranks among his most memorable F1 victories, Wolff answered with characteristic pragmatism:

    “This sounds very unromantic now, but I forget about wins,” he said. “There’s a few that I remember. Maybe my first one, but it isn’t as glamorous as you would like. It’s Pastor Maldonado in Barcelona. Or Nico Rosberg with Mercedes-Benz, the first one in Monaco. And Lewis Hamilton winning in Singapore.
    “So there’s a few of these big ones. And certainly this is one that I will remember.”

    Full Circle: From FP1 Crash to “Biggest Glory”

    Beyond the on-track heroics, Wolff highlighted the profound narrative arc. Two years earlier, Antonelli endured a heavy crash during his Formula 1 practice debut at Monza in FP1 — a moment Wolff called “probably the toughest moment in his career for himself and his family.”

    “It’s how the circle closed,” he said. “Two years ago in FP1, it was probably the toughest moment in his career for himself and his family. A moment where everyone doubted, including himself.
    “And then two years later, it’s the biggest glory, the biggest moment of his career that’s probably going to be one of his biggest moments overall in the future.
    “Even if he wins another 200 grand prix, that one will always remain special. And I think that’s the perspective under which I want to see it.”

    Antonelli’s Monza masterclass stands as a testament to resilience, timing, and the unique magic of the Italian Grand Prix — a victory that transcends statistics and etches itself into Formula 1 folklore.

  • Toto Wolff Uneasy After Mercedes Drivers Clash at Monza: “That could have ended in disaster”

    Toto Wolff Uneasy After Mercedes Drivers Clash at Monza: “That could have ended in disaster”

    Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff admitted the on-track battle between Kimi Antonelli and George Russell at the Italian Grand Prix “could have ended in disaster” and left the team looking “like idiots” after the pair traded the lead repeatedly at Monza.

    Antonelli’s Charge from 19th Sets Up Teammate Duel

    Starting 19th on the grid due to a power-unit penalty, Antonelli carved through the field to reach second place within 16 laps. A 12-lap wheel-to-wheel fight with Russell followed, with the Silver Arrows swapping the race lead several times before a virtual safety car (VSC) period allowed Antonelli to pit. He rejoined 14 seconds behind his teammate but, on fresher tyres, closed the gap rapidly and launched a decisive attack with six laps remaining.

    Late-Race Scare at Turn 2

    The climax arrived on lap 49 when Russell ran wide at Turn 2 while defending, and Antonelli slid into the gravel trap on the marbles. Both cars recovered to secure a Mercedes 1-2 — Antonelli leading Russell by four seconds, with Max Verstappen third, 15 seconds adrift — but the moment left Wolff visibly tense.

    Wolff: “We Would Have Looked Like Idiots”

    Speaking after the race, Wolff revealed he had his finger on the radio button to intervene but held back.

    “We’re trying to anticipate possible scenarios, and the two of them have been great in understanding and embracing the team component – which is difficult for a race driver that tries to win a grand prix, especially for Kimi in Monza, especially for George, who needs to keep scoring points in order to stay in the Toto Wolff uneasy as Mercedes drivers fought at Monza: “That could have ended in disaster” race,” the Austrian pondered. “But they’ve always been clean.”

    “At times, we were thinking, ‘It’s clean, but it’s a bit close’. And I had a finger on the button to Marcus, to Bono, to Kimi, to George, but I didn’t push it.”

    “The last incident was unfortunate. George tried to not cut the corner, and Kimi then obviously on the marbles, going straight, and that could have ended up in a disaster when it comes to the race result. We would have looked like idiots.”

    “We will be talking about that situation as another building block of how we want to race in the future. But I think it was worth to show the racing spirit in the team and have them go at each other.”

    Russell Ruues Lost Duel After VSC Pitstop

    Russell acknowledged parallels to the drawn-out Mercedes fight at the Canadian Grand Prix but expressed frustration that the VSC timing ended their extended battle.

    “I would have loved to have continued on the same strategy because I felt in a good position in that battle,” he said. “I sort of knew exactly what I needed to do with the energy management to defend, but also when to attack and make those moves, and I put a lot of preparation into this race in that regard.

    “Then, of course, when the VSC came out, it kind of came out at that perfect point for the drivers to pull the trigger and take the pitstop. And, yeah, here we are.”

    Championship Implications

    With his fifth consecutive winless weekend, Russell now trails Antonelli by 66 points in the drivers’ standings, underscoring the shifting dynamic within the Mercedes garage as the Italian rookie announces himself as a genuine title contender.