Kimi Antonelli Makes History at Monza With Home Win From 19th on the Grid

Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli delivered one of the most memorable drives of the Formula 1 season at the Italian Grand Prix, becoming the first Italian driver to win his home race in 60 years. The result capped a dramatic weekend at Monza, one of the oldest circuits on the calendar and a venue renowned for its long straights and passionate Tifosi following.

Antonelli began the race near the back of the field, starting 19th after electing to take a new engine and additional power unit components. But the circuit’s layout offers multiple overtaking opportunities, and the young Italian quickly climbed through the order. By the time Charles Leclerc’s heavy crash at the Parabolica brought out a stoppage, Antonelli had already advanced to 12th.

The race featured a second standing start, from which Antonelli—on fresh medium tires and still requiring a second pit stop—picked his way past much of the field. That included his own teammate George Russell, who had spent a large portion of the race at the front on an alternative one-stop strategy. A brief error during his charge, which sent Antonelli through a gravel trap as he attempted to pass Russell, was not enough to slow his momentum, and he went on to take the win.

The weekend was less kind to Ferrari’s home fans. Leclerc compromised his teammate’s race within the opening two laps before his later crash ended his own afternoon, deflating a packed grandstand crowd dressed in red.

Formula 1 now turns its attention toward a new challenge: a street circuit in Madrid, which by early descriptions promises a layout roughly twice the length of Monaco, though without the same prestige.

Related market snapshot

Among technology stocks trading under the Formula name, Formula Systems (1985) Ltd. (FORTY), an information technology services company, closed at $129.0, up from a previous close of $125.7, a gain of 2.63%, with a market capitalization of $1.98 billion. Separately, Strategy Inc (MSTR), a software-application company, traded at $132.70, down 3.03% from its prior close of $136.85, with a market capitalization of roughly $52.7 billion. Neither company is affiliated with the motorsport series.

Source: original release

What to watch

• The debut of the new Madrid street circuit, which organizers describe as roughly twice the length of Monaco’s layout.
• Whether Antonelli’s recent run of form continues as the season progresses.
• Ferrari’s response at upcoming rounds after a difficult home race at Monza.