Mercedes‑Benz team principal Toto Wolff was effusive in his praise for Kimi Antonelli’s performance at the 2024 Italian Grand Prix, describing the Italian driver’s charge from 19th on the grid to a hard‑won victory as “amazing” and “nothing would have stopped him.” Per Formula1.com, Wolff highlighted Antonelli’s skillful overtakes, strategic tyre choices and the driver’s mental resilience in a race that saw the Red Bull front‑row dominate the early laps.
Antonelli’s win at Monza was the first for a Mercedes‑Benz‑powered car since the 2019 season, and the first for a driver who had not started the season with the team. The 23‑year‑old’s run began on the back of a chaotic start, where a collision at the first corner saw several cars tangled. From there, he used a combination of aggressive driving and precise braking to leapfrog competitors, ultimately taking the lead on lap 54 after a well‑timed pit stop that preserved his tyres for the final stint.
Wolff’s comments came at a time when Mercedes is keen to showcase the potential of its new power unit and the depth of its driver lineup. “We’re thrilled with how Kimi handled the race,” Wolff said. “His confidence and composure under pressure were key, and the team’s strategy played a pivotal role.” The team’s performance in Italy is seen as a positive sign ahead of the upcoming British Grand Prix, where the team will look to build on the momentum.
For Indian fans, the race was broadcast on FanCode at 6:30 PM IST on Saturday, with live commentary in Hindi. Fans can also catch the highlights and post‑race analysis on the F1 India channel on YouTube. The Italian Grand Prix was a showcase of the sport’s blend of speed, strategy and driver skill, and Antonelli’s triumph will be remembered as one of the most remarkable comebacks in recent F1 history.
Source: Formula1.com
