Monaco Grand Prix: Mercedes star Antonelli wins interrupted race

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli celebrates with the trophy in Monaco on Sunday. Pic/AFP

Kimi Antonelli kept his cool amid late-race drama and a host of retirements to claim victory at the Monaco Grand Prix, extending his lead at the top of the Formula One Drivers' Championship standings.

The Mercedes driver turned pole position into a strong win on the streets of Monte Carlo, finishing ahead of Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton and Red Bull's Isack Hadjar. Seven drivers didn't reach the chequered flag during the race.

Antonelli had a perfect start, keeping the lead when the lights went out.

Meanwhile, reigning world champion Max Verstappen struggled at the start as his Red Bull seemed to go into anti-stall mode. He dropped back in the pack before retiring, becoming the first casualty of the race.

With Verstappen out, Antonelli slowly increased his lead over the Ferrari duo of Hamilton and local favourite Charles Leclerc. Several other competitors faced mechanical issues.

The race looked likely to end without drama until the final stages when Lance Stroll crashed at the last corner of the Circuit de Monaco with about 20 laps to go. The Safety Car bunched up the cars and briefly threatened Antonelli's comfortable lead. However, it also allowed several drivers to pit and serve time penalties with little impact on their positions.

The excitement ramped up after the restart when Leclerc crashed at the same corner as Stroll. Officials had to pause the race to check for damage and track issues at the crash site.

Leclerc's retirement was crucial for the podium battle. Hadjar moved into third place, securing his first Formula One podium for Red Bull.

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