David Coulthard asserts that Kimi Antonelli demonstrated he is an F1 "phenomenon" at Monza.

Ex-Formula 1 racer David Coulthard remarked that Kimi Antonelli's remarkable ascent from 19th on the starting grid to clinch victory at the Italian Grand Prix represents a pivotal moment in his career, ranking it among the performances of the all-time greats in the sport.

The Mercedes driver celebrated his seventh career grand prix victory on home turf in Monza, marking the first triumph for an Italian driver at this event in six decades.

"This is certainly among the elite," Coulthard noted while contemplating Antonelli's achievement during the Up To Speed podcast.

"I don’t wish to elevate a 20-year-old with merely seven wins to the level of Hamilton, Verstappen, Senna, Schumacher, and the other multiple world champions of our time. Vettel was there emotionally showcasing Michael Schumacher's old championship car.

"To maneuver your vehicle skillfully and avoid mishaps, to execute all that he accomplished, and to have a different helmet in the mix... If that had been Schumacher, Max, or Senna, you would have thought, 'Sure, we can expect this because that’s what they do.'

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

"There has to be a first for everything, which is why he’s considered somewhat of a phenomenon because this represents the pinnacle of Kimi’s current abilities. This is the finest grand prix he has ever driven and the greatest victory he has achieved. It reveals his potential. We always knew he was a winner; now we understand he’s both a racer and a victor."

Antonelli’s triumph at Monza has widened his lead in the drivers’ championship, where he now enjoys a 66-point lead over his teammate George Russell. Seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton trails in third, 76 points behind Antonelli.

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