It's been over half a century since an Italian won at the Temple of Speed. This past Sunday, a new king was crowned.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli won the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday, Sept. 6, from the back of the grid in a masterclass. Antonelli's coronation started from 19th on the grid. The championship leader was placed at the back of the grid due to a grid-place penalty following a decision by the Mercedes Formula One team.

Toto Wolff, the team principal, said the team felt it was in Antonelli's best interest to take the penalty at Monza, his home Grand Prix.

It seemed Antonelli understood the team's decision.

“I think (starting from the back) in some ways helps to release pressure, although I'd very much rather fight for pole and start there at the front,” Antonelli said. “But in some way it makes me a bit more relaxed going into the weekend. I think also that's why I'm going to be able to enjoy more the driving than the weekend itself.”

Antonelli definitely made the weekend enjoyable.

Once the lights went out at the Italian Grand Prix, it was on for Antonelli as he carved his way up the grid into 12th position in just three laps.

Then, tragedy struck for Ferrari faithful everywhere, as Charles Leclerc crashed out on the Parabolica on Lap 3 of Ferrari's home Grand Prix.

Leclerc's crash led to a red flag and a standing start, with Antonelli starting from 12th. When the lights went out again, Antonelli got to work. 

In just one lap, Antonelli gained six positions.

Antonelli made it look like he was driving on easy mode, as every pass seemed effortless for the championship leader.

After just 16 laps, he was in second position and on the rear wing of his teammate and championship rival, George Russell.

On Lap 18, he took the lead, but a back-and-forth battle prompted team orders from Mercedes to hold positions after he lost the place to Russell.

The decision came out of a desire to protect the victory from a looming Max Verstappen.

Yet just 11 laps later, someone else's misfortune gave Antonelli an advantage. 

Lance Stroll, a driver for Aston Martin F1 Team, pulled off the side of the road due to a hydraulic failure, which caused a virtual safety car.

Antonelli, with fresh tires and a fresh mentality, went back in pursuit of his teammate. Twenty laps later, Antonelli was back on his teammate's tail.

A small escapade into the gravel almost derailed the whole race, but Antonelli was not going to let anything get between him and his crown.

On Lap 51, Antonelli claimed his teammate one last time. The overtake stuck, and two laps later, the checkered flag waved and Kimi Antonelli claimed his crown.

When the team radio came on, Antonelli’s voice raved in excitement. Not only did he win his home Grand Prix, but he won it from 19th on the grid.

Antonelli's victory extended his grip on the World Drivers' Championship, gaining critical points over championship rivals such as his teammate George Russell, Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris.

Antonelli enjoyed his victory on the top step of the podium, singing the Italian national anthem at his home Grand Prix with a chorus of his countrymen.

“It's a day that I will remember forever,” Antonelli said. “I think this is probably the most special win so far, and I think this is the best podium of the season.”

There's only one race at Monza a year, and this year, the king was Antonelli.