Getty Images: Sutton Images/Sam Bagnall
Getty Images: Sutton Images/Sam Bagnall
Kimi Antonelli, the current leader of the Formula 1 championship, has drawn parallels to the legendary Michael Schumacher after delivering an extraordinary victory from the 19th position at the Italian Grand Prix.
Liam Lawson from New Zealand will continue to race for Red Bull for the third consecutive weekend while his teammate Isack Hadjar recuperates from a wrist injury.
ABC Sport will provide a live blog of the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix, set to begin at 9 PM AEST on Sunday, September 13.
The Monza circuit was filled with tributes to Michael Schumacher during the recent race weekend, with Ferrari showcasing special liveries in memory of the seven-time champion.
Both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton donned unique racing suits featuring Schumacher’s emblem, and former Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel took a lap around the iconic Monza track in Schumacher’s 2002 championship-winning vehicle.
However, the most striking homage to Schumacher came through the remarkable performance of Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli. His victory at the Italian Grand Prix stood out in what has been a season filled with extraordinary moments for the championship frontrunner.
Starting from 19th on the grid due to a penalty, Antonelli initially appeared likely to see his 59-point championship lead shrink. Yet, by the end of the race, he had claimed the top podium spot, becoming the first Italian to win this race in 60 years and extending his lead over teammate George Russell in the championship to 66 points. This victory positions the 20-year-old as a strong contender to become the youngest Formula 1 champion in history.
What made Antonelli’s triumph particularly remarkable was the method in which he achieved it. Over the course of the race, he executed 26 overtakes, seizing the lead on lap 18 of 53 and reclaiming his advantage following a pit stop with 24 laps to go.
His precision, skillful racecraft, and sheer speed drew comparisons to Schumacher from Juan Pablo Montoya, a former racer who competed against the legend. Montoya noted that Antonelli’s speed has become so formidable that rivals are choosing not to engage in on-track battles with him.
In a discussion on F1 TV’s post-race program, Montoya highlighted the contrast in how Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who finished third, fought vigorously against Russell for the lead but offered less resistance to Antonelli. “It was incredible how easily he was passing people,” Montoya remarked. “It’s reminiscent of when I raced with Michael Schumacher; when he was coming through, others would simply yield. It’s the same now; competitors know Antonelli will overtake them without hesitation.”
With nine or ten races remaining this season, contingent on the potential Middle Eastern races at year’s end, Antonelli enjoys a commanding 66-point lead in the championship — nearly double the 37-point lead Oscar Piastri held over Lando Norris with nine races left in 2025. Piastri eventually experienced a downturn in form, finishing behind Norris and Verstappen, who trailed Piastri by a significant margin at the end of that season.
In other news, Liam Lawson will continue his stint with Red Bull while Isack Hadjar recovers from a wrist injury. Lawson has filled in for Hadjar over the past two weekends and will partner with Max Verstappen at the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid. Hadjar has missed the last two races due to his injury but is making positive progress in his recovery and will support the team during the event.
“After competing for the team in Zandvoort and Monza, Liam will continue alongside Max at this week’s Spanish Grand Prix,” Red Bull stated. Meanwhile, Yuki Tsunoda, who substituted for Lawson in 2025, will once again take over Lawson’s seat at Racing Bulls.
ABC Sport will be live blogging the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix starting at 9 PM AEST on Sunday, September 13.
