Wolff backed Antonelli for Monza miracle before stunning victory

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Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff revealed that he had already sensed Kimi Antonelli could produce something special at the Italian Grand Prix, even before the young driver completed his remarkable charge to victory on Sunday.

Antonelli started the race from 19th on the grid at Monza but defied the odds to claim a sensational win, further strengthening his grip on the Formula One championship.

Wolff said he had expected Mercedes to have a driver on the top step of the podium, particularly after George Russell inherited pole position following the race restart after a red flag.

However, he also believed Antonelli possessed the ability to deliver an extraordinary performance despite his difficult starting position.

“I thought one of the two (Mercedes drivers) was going to win,” Wolff said when asked what result he had anticipated before the race.

“George, because he was on pole (at the restart after the race was red-flagged), or Kimi because he’s going to walk over water.”

Antonelli ultimately vindicated Wolff's faith, producing one of the most impressive drives of his young Formula One career to turn a 19th-place start into victory at his home race.
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