Kimi Antonelli to Take Engine Penalty at Monza

Kimi Antonelli, the current leader in the championship standings, has announced that he will be using a new Mercedes engine at the upcoming Monza race, which will result in a grid penalty.

Having already used his allocation of penalty-free engines, the specific penalty will depend on the number of components replaced by Mercedes. Antonelli confirmed this decision at Zandvoort, stating that Monza is a favorable track for overtaking, making it a strategic choice despite the penalty.

Antonelli currently holds a 50-point lead over Lewis Hamilton and emphasizes that his focus is on the championship rather than the penalty. He also noted that while Mercedes is not bringing a major update to Zandvoort, a more significant development is expected in future races. Antonelli expressed his long-term commitment to Mercedes, aspiring to become a key figure for the team.