Championship leader Kimi Antonelli relived the emotions felt following his historical F1 Italian GP race win, recounting the praise received from fellow young Monza winner and four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel. The Mercedes man delivered a thoroughly impressive driving performance, starting from P19 on the grid and swiftly making his way through the pack.
In fact, he had already made quick progress even before the red flag restart, with seven positions recovered in only two racing laps. Afterwards, Antonelli was a man on a mission, bolting to eight place by the second lap after the restart, gunning for a podium position by Lap 13.
Mercedes’s strategical choice for him turned out to be the better option. Ultimately, the Italian pitting twice for mediums allowed him to proceed full push until he completed his move on Russell for the win in the closing stages of the race.
An unforgettable F1 Italian GP for Antonelli
Winning in such fashion in his home country definitely pleased Kimi Antonelli, who recounted his emotions for the Italian GP ahead of the Madrid round, as well as the images which have left a lasting impressions on his young eyes.
“I think it was an incredible moment for me. So far, the best day of my life. It was incredible to see so many Ferrari fans cheering and chanting my name on the podium. Also in the race, I think what also made a difference were the fans, because in the last 10 or 15 laps, every time I was exiting the first chicane, I could see the grandstand on the right and I could see everyone standing up every time I was passing by.”
Antonelli is the first Italian to win in Monza in sixty years, completing the second greatest recovery of F1 history in terms of on-track passes.
“So yeah, definitely it was an incredible moment for me. Andyeah, definitely one I will remember forever.”
Fellow Monza winner Vettel complimented his strong drive
Antonelli also highlighted the support he has been receiving by former F1 driver Sebastian Vettel. The four-time World Champion currently holds the record of youngest F1 championship winner, being 23 years old on the occasion of his first title back in 2010.
However, the 20-year-old Italian talent might be able to lower the benchmark, with the rather impressive drives he has been delivering throughout the entirety of the 2026. With seven race wins, four additional podium finishes and nine or ten races to go, Kimi Antonelli is truly having a dominant year.
The Mercedes man expressed his pleasure in having fellow Monza race winner’s support after the race, as well as in numerous other occasions throughout the season.
”He is great. Seb is incredible. He’s a friend of mine, always sends some messages after every race weekend or even before some of them. So, it’s great to see so much support from him and so much appreciation as well. So, definitely, I’m very happy to get his messages and, for sure, they make a little difference in going into the weekend or even after.”
