Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli is set to face a significant grid penalty at his home Italian Grand Prix this weekend at Monza. The 20-year-old will take a new engine, which is expected to result in him starting from the back of the grid.
Mercedes has stated that the penalty for exceeding the permitted number of engine parts was unavoidable due to early season reliability issues. The team calculated that Monza, with its long straights, is the most effective track to introduce a new engine and its slight performance increase.
Team principal Toto Wolff confirmed the decision, stating that calculations indicated it was the best track to take the penalty, without considering the emotional aspect of it being Antonelli's home race. Antonelli, who currently holds a comfortable 59-point championship lead, expressed that he believes it is the best race to take the penalty and still expects a chance for a good result.
Antonelli can expect a challenge from a resurgent McLaren, particularly Lando Norris, who has won the last two Grands Prix. Ferrari will also be on home territory, though the long straights of Monza may not suit their car's characteristics.