Kimi Antonelli wins Italian Grand Prix after starting 19th

Italian driver Luca Antonelli delivered a dramatic performance at the Monza Grand Prix on Sunday, climbing from 19th on the grid to claim victory in a race that secured him the season‑long championship. The win marked the first time in six decades that an Italian has captured the title in the series, ending a 60‑year drought for the nation’s motorsport fans.

Antonelli’s surge began on the opening lap, where he overtook several competitors before the first chicane. By the midway point he had moved into the top five, and a decisive pit‑stop strategy allowed him to undercut the race leader on lap 34. He maintained a consistent pace through the high‑speed straights of the Autodromo Nazionale, ultimately crossing the finish line ahead of his closest rival by 0.8 seconds. The victory awarded him 25 points, bringing his total to 212, which placed him eight points clear of the runner‑up with two races remaining in the calendar.

The championship triumph not only highlights Antonelli’s rapid development as a driver but also revives Italy’s presence at the pinnacle of the sport. Team officials praised his composure under pressure, while the win is expected to boost interest in the series across the country ahead of the season’s final events.