Kimi Antonelli and Alex Albon will be forced to start at the back of the grid at the Italian Grand Prix in Formula 1. Both drivers received new power unit components and will be penalized regardless of the positions they achieve in the qualifying session.
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Mercedes had planned some time ago to put a new engine in Antonelli’s car precisely in Monza, due to the greater overtaking opportunities offered by the circuit. However, the choice significantly reduces the Italian’s chances of seeking victory this weekend, while trying to preserve his championship lead.
The Italian will have at his disposal a new internal combustion engine, energy storage system, and electronic control components. The expectation is that these elements will help the Mercedes driver during position recovery throughout the race.
Albon also received the same three components at Williams, and like Antonelli, will lose grid positions regardless of his qualifying result. Other drivers also installed new components for the Italian GP but remain within the allowed quantity without penalties.
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Among them are nine other drivers who will use a new internal combustion engine this weekend. So far, Antonelli and Albon are the only ones confirmed to have grid penalties.
There is still the possibility that the scenario will change after the qualifying session on Saturday. Other drivers may decide to follow the same path and adopt new components after defining their grid positions.
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