Kimi Antonelli, currently leading in the Formula 1 standings, will start from the last position on the grid for his home race at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza. This decision follows Mercedes’ choice to completely replace his power unit.
Drivers are permitted to use up to four power units per season, but Mercedes has faced reliability issues in the first half of the season, making it inevitable that Antonelli would face a grid penalty for his home race. Mercedes officially confirmed the engine change through team principal Toto Wolff.
Toto Wolff: “We will change everything for Kimi. We are here to fight for the championship, not for PR”
Wolff expressed, “We will change everything for Kimi. In theory, our calculations show this is the best track to do it. Obviously, our algorithms do not consider national identity. But we are here to fight for the championship, not to achieve the best PR. That is our plan.”
Mercedes intends to do the same for British driver George Russell. Wolff stated that they have not yet decided when to replace Russell’s power unit, but suggested that a good opportunity might arise at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where engine power is crucial given the circuit’s long straight sections.
“We are still discussing when to make the change for George. The next suitable opportunity after Monza could be the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, which emphasizes engine performance and speed, while also providing overtaking opportunities to offset the penalty.” – Toto Wolff, Mercedes team principal
