Mercedes has confirmed that it will change the power unit in Kimi Antonelli’s car at the Italian Grand Prix in Formula 1. As a consequence, the current championship leader will be penalized and will have to start at the back of the grid in his home race.
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This decision was made jointly by the team and the driver, given the reliability issues faced in the first half of the season. With the annual component limit already exceeded, Mercedes chose Monza to take the penalty, considering the characteristics of the circuit and the possibility of recovery during the race.
Antonelli confirmed this strategy during the press conference this Thursday (20), before the Dutch GP: “The penalty for the new engine will be at Monza,” he said. According to the Italian, the choice was made because the circuit is one of the most favorable for overtaking.
“It was a joint decision with Mercedes, as it is one of the easiest tracks to overtake. It is my home race but, in the end, I am focused on the championship and need to assess where I can have the best chance to advance and seek a good result,” Antonelli continued.
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The complete power unit change will cause the driver to be placed in the last position on the starting grid for the Italian GP. However, the final order may be different if other teams also decide to make changes that imply penalties, which would allow Antonelli to gain some positions before the start.
Despite the challenge, the championship leader remains positive about the Monza round, scheduled to take place on the weekend of September 4 to 6: “Monza will still be great, there will be many fans, so I can’t wait. It will definitely be very different from last year, with a different atmosphere, but I am looking forward to it. I will also have a very, very cool helmet,” concluded the young Italian driver.
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