MERCEDES CONSIDERING GRID PENALTY FOR ANTONELLI AT MONZA
Mercedes could be forced to take an engine-related grid penalty later this season as the team manages reliability concerns with its 2026 power unit. Both George Russell and Kimi Antonelli have now reached the limit of their allocated engine components, meaning any additional parts would automatically trigger a grid penalty.
Team Principal Toto Wolff admitted that Mercedes is already discussing where such a penalty would have the smallest impact on the championship. One circuit under consideration is Monza, despite it being Antonelli’s home race.
Speaking to the media, Wolff joked that he would need to discuss the decision with Kimi Antonelli’s father, Marco, before choosing whether Monza should be the venue for the penalty. He also pointed out that, on paper, the Italian Grand Prix is one of the most suitable tracks to recover positions after a grid drop thanks to its long straights and overtaking opportunities.
Mercedes can still rotate previously used engine components without receiving penalties, but fitting completely new elements beyond the FIA allocation would result in both drivers dropping on the starting grid.
According to Motorsport.com, Mercedes’ plans may not be limited to reliability alone. The team is reportedly preparing an updated version of its power unit developed with ADUO, featuring improvements to the internal combustion engine, an upgraded turbocharger and a revised Petronas fuel specification. The package is expected to improve both reliability and overall performance for the remainder of the season.
If introduced, the upgraded engine could play an important role in Mercedes’ fight against Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull during the second half of the championship. The team must now decide the best moment to introduce the new components while minimizing the impact of the inevitable grid penalties.
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