Kimi Antonelli produced a stunning comeback to win the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
The Mercedes driver started 19th on the grid but fought his way through the field to claim a remarkable home victory.
Antonelli, who turned 20 just two weeks ago, finished ahead of Mercedes teammate George Russell.
The victory also gave Italian fans their first home winner at Monza since Ludovico Scarfiotti in 1966.
“It’s a dream come true,” Antonelli said. “What an incredible day. I couldn’t do this without my team, my family and everyone who supports me.”
Antonelli started near the back after receiving penalties for taking a new power unit. But he quickly showed his pace.
He climbed from 19th to 12th in the opening laps and started to believe a victory was possible.
The race then changed when Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc crashed. The incident brought out a red flag and led to a restart.
Antonelli moved closer to the front after the second restart and soon found himself fighting for the win.
“After the second re-start, I was up there and I knew I could have had a shot for the win. So definitely I believed in it, especially when I was behind George,” he said.
Mercedes then put its two drivers on different strategies.
Antonelli stopped for fresh tyres while Russell stayed out. Russell later struggled with his tyres, allowing Antonelli to use his extra pace to take control.
Antonelli had one major scare with four laps remaining. He went into the gravel while trying to pass Russell.
“It was quite scary because the tarmac was breaking up, but I still thought I could do the corner,” Antonelli said.
“I went straight. I was thinking like maybe I lost my chance, but luckily we had the pace and I could bring it home.”
Antonelli recovered and completed the victory.
“I did not expect this. Unbelievable. Unbelievable. I am so happy. I could not have imagined to be here today, but we managed to pull it off and I am really, really happy.”
His win also strengthened his position at the top of the championship. Antonelli now holds a 66 point lead over Russell.
But the young Italian refused to think too far ahead about becoming Italy’s first Formula One world champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953.
“There’s still a few races to go, so we will try to keep our heads down. But now, yes, we are going to enjoy today.”
Russell admitted Mercedes’ strategy played an important part in the result.
“In hindsight, it’s easy to say I should have pitted rather than stayed out,” Russell said.
“I’m disappointed with missing out on the win but here we are.”
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff praised Antonelli for staying calm despite starting near the back.
“It was unbelievable,” Wolff said. “He was so controlled all race. He kept his head down, took no risks at the start and then one by one he passed them. An amazing drive.”
Russell also praised his teammate and said his focus remains on winning races rather than thinking about the championship.
“He has driven incredibly this season. He deserves to lead the championship and he has a healthy lead,” Russell said.
“I’m not even going to think about the fight or the comeback. I’m just going to every race trying to win it.”
