AUGUST 25, 2026

Antonelli set for back-of-grid start at home Italian GP

Mercedes will give championship leader Kimi Antonelli a complete new power unit at Monza, triggering grid penalties at his home race.

The fastest route around Monza normally involves a powerful engine. Kimi Antonelli will have a fresh one at the Italian Grand Prix, although acquiring it means he is expected to start his home race from the back.

Mercedes has decided to replace the complete power unit in Antonelli's car. The championship leader has reached the limit of his permitted allocation, so the additional components will bring automatic grid penalties.

There is an obvious promotional cost. Antonelli is Italian and will arrive at Monza leading the world championship, making a back-of-grid start rather less convenient than Mercedes or the organisers might have wished.

Championships, however, are rarely won by promotional departments.

Mercedes calculated that Monza is one of the best circuits at which to absorb the punishment. Its long straights provide more overtaking opportunities than many other venues, while a fresh power unit is especially useful at a circuit where engine performance matters.

Wolff acknowledged the awkward timing but said the team's algorithms don't take nationality into consideration. Mercedes was making the decision to fight for the championship rather than to maximise public relations.

The change also reflects the reliability difficulties Mercedes encountered during the first half of the season. Antonelli is not the only driver likely to need additional components. George Russell is also expected to take a penalty, although the team has not decided where to introduce his next engine.

That adds another complication to Mercedes' championship management. It must decide not only how quickly to develop the car, but also where each driver can surrender grid position with the least possible damage.

Antonelli's objective at Monza will consequently be recovery rather than a conventional fight from the front. The Italian crowd will supply the emotion. The Mercedes computers have already supplied the strategy.

Source: Motorsport.com.