Young F1 star pulls off one of racing's greatest comebacks
- Published
Starting in almost last place and finishing first might sound impossible, but that is exactly what racing car driver 20-year-old Kimi Antonelli has done at the Italian Grand Prix.
Antonelli began the race in 19th place, but the young Italian raced through the field, overtaking driver after driver before passing his Mercedes team-mate George Russell near the end.
He crossed the finish line nearly four seconds ahead, completing one of the greatest comebacks in Formula 1 history.
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"It's one that I will remember forever," Antonelli, who only turned 20 last month, said after his victory.
"Definitely the fans gave that little bit extra to push more. The support has been great this weekend."
He began Sunday's race near the back because Mercedes had changed parts of his car's engine, earning him a grid penalty.
Only one driver has won a World Championship race from further back on the starting grid. In 1983, Northern Ireland's John Watson started in 22nd place before winning a race in the United States.
For Antonelli, winning the race was even more special in his home country, held in front of thousands of Italian fans. He is the first Italian driver to win the Italian Grand Prix since Ludovico Scarfiotti did it 60 years ago.
