Kimi Antonelli: 'My phone exploded' after Monza win

Kimi Antonelli has revealed his phone "exploded" with congratulatory messages after his fairytale Italian Grand Prix victory, a win he describes as the best day of his life. The 20-year-old Mercedes driver produced a stunning drive from 19th on the grid to win at Monza, becoming the first Italian to win on home soil in 60 years.

Why it matters:

Antonelli's victory not only marked a historic moment for Italian motorsport but also extended his championship lead over team-mate George Russell to 66 points. With the season entering its final stretch, the win solidifies his status as a genuine title contender, and his ability to stay grounded will be crucial in the coming races.

The details:

• Antonelli joked that his phone "exploded" after the race, with so many WhatsApp messages that the app crashed. He had to exit the app without even touching it.
• He received messages from Italian sports stars including Jannik Sinner, Marco Bezzecchi, and Valentino Rossi, describing the support as "super nice" and "very, very cool."
• The tifosi chanted his name on the podium, a fitting tribute to the first Italian winner at Monza in six decades.
• Staying grounded: The day after the win, Antonelli went karting with his team. He said it helped him "go back to earth" and reminded him of his journey.

What's next:

Antonelli now turns his attention to this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix at the new Madring street circuit. With his championship lead growing, the key will be maintaining focus and avoiding the emotional hangover from such a monumental win. If his post-Monza karting session is any indication, he's already got the right mindset.