Antonelli set for Monza grid penalty as Mercedes weighs Russell engine change

Multiple outlets report that Kimi Antonelli is poised to serve a grid penalty at his home race at Monza. Motorsport.com says the penalty is expected to be a back-of-the-grid drop for a full power unit change, linked to reliability problems earlier this season.

Formula1.com noted that Antonelli arrives at Monza as the Drivers’ Championship leader, adding that the penalty has become a major talking point ahead of the Italian Grand Prix. PlanetF1 also reported that Mercedes has previously regretted taking penalties at Monza, even as Antonelli now appears set to face one there.

Motorsport.com further reported that Mercedes has not yet decided when George Russell will take an engine change penalty during the rest of the 2026 campaign, but the team is preparing for him to face a similar situation. In a separate report, Guenther Steiner said he believes Mercedes has made clear that Russell’s role for the remainder of the season is to support Antonelli’s championship bid.