2026 Italian GP: Antonelli set for grid penalty

Reports say Andrea Kimi Antonelli is set for a back-of-grid start at Monza after a new Mercedes power unit, with the 242-point leader facing a recovery run.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli is set for a grid penalty at the 2026 Italian Grand Prix, according to reports from Autosport and Motorsport.com. Both outlets said Mercedes had decided to fit a new power unit for Monza, a change that would put the championship leader to the back of the grid because it exceeds his allocation for the season.

Motorsport.com reported the switch followed reliability problems earlier in the year and would move Antonelli onto his fifth Mercedes power unit of 2026. The same outlet also reported Mercedes would not introduce its ADUO-related updated power unit at Monza, with that version instead due in October.

Antonelli heads into his home weekend first in the drivers' championship on 242 points. The Italian has made 33 Formula 1 starts across 2025 and 2026, with five wins, five pole positions and 10 podiums for Mercedes.