Mercedes Group Principal Toto Wolff has confirmed that Kimi Antonelli is about to take a grid penalty on the upcoming Italian Grand Prix because of a deliberate engine change.
The standings chief presently holds a bonus of 53 factors over Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton and would turn into the youngest-ever World Champion if he seals the 2026 title, however he’ll face a big impediment at his house occasion in Monza.
His workforce have accepted that with a view to keep away from additional damaging technical issues – such because the one which pressured Antonelli to retire while combating for precious factors in Barcelona – they should set up a brand new energy unit.
As per the rules, if a driver makes use of extra energy unit parts than the permitted allocation, a grid penalty shall be imposed on the first occasion the place every extra factor is used.
The Italian Grand Prix has been chosen as the perfect spherical within the hope that Antonelli will have the ability to cost again via the sector extra simply than at different circuits, thereby minimising the affect of the setback.
Speaking to Sky Sports F1 after the Zandvoort Sprint, by which Antonelli completed fourth, Wolff mentioned: “We’d like large factors. Kimi goes to in all probability lose some in Monza beginning within the again, so hopefully we are able to pocket some right here.”
The penalty shall be a minimal of 10 positions relying on the precise parts Mercedes change – successfully, the extra new components, the better the grid drop. That signifies that Antonelli might be demoted to the again row if the workforce choose for an entire overhaul, it doesn’t matter what he achieves throughout Qualifying.
With the occasion happening from September 4-6, he shall be aiming to attain as many factors as doable at this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix, with Qualifying set to happen later at present at 1600 native time.
