Kimi Antonelli confirmed during the Dutch GP weekend at Zandvoort that Mercedes will once again perform an engine change during the subsequent Italian Grand Prix. This means that the young Italian will have to accept a grid penalty during his home race; he has already reached the maximum number for certain components of his power unit. According to Antonelli, it was a tactical choice to take a grid penalty specifically at Monza.
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Mercedes experienced reliability issues regularly during the first half of the season and is therefore playing it safe. It is not yet known which components will be replaced in Italy, but according to Antonelli, it is clear that he will receive a grid penalty. He is already at the limit for several components, including the combustion engine, the exhaust, and the energy storage. If a driver exceeds the allowed limit for a certain component for the first time, a ten-place grid penalty follows. For each subsequent exceedance, the penalty is five places.
‘Have to think about the title’
Antonelli explained to the press at Zandvoort why it is tactically wise to take a grid penalty specifically at Monza. “The penalty for the new engine will be imposed at Monza,” he confirmed. “We agree on that because this is one of the circuits where overtaking is easy. I know it is my home race, but ultimately I think more about the championship. I have to weigh where I have the best chances to make up positions and achieve a good result. Monza is definitely at the top of that list.”
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After the sprint race at Zandvoort, Kimi Antonelli is still at the top of the World Championship standings. He leads with 224 points. His closest challenger, Lewis Hamilton, follows at a distance of 53 points. Teammate George Russell, who won the sprint race in the Netherlands, is 56 points behind the 19-year-old Italian.
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Read everything about the Dutch GP in Zandvoort here
