Kimi Antonelli to Start from Back of Grid at Italian Grand Prix

Kimi Antonelli, the current leader in the Formula 1 championship, will begin the Italian Grand Prix from the back of the grid after Mercedes decided to replace his power unit.

This decision comes as Antonelli has exceeded the season's allowance for power units, with Mercedes facing reliability issues earlier in the season. The 19-year-old driver is already at the limit with his current V6 and exhaust system.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff confirmed the full power unit switch, stating that the decision was based on performance calculations rather than the significance of the race being Antonelli's home event. Meanwhile, teammate George Russell is also expected to face a grid penalty later, although the timing for his power unit change has not yet been determined.