Kimi Antonelli arrives at the Italian Grand Prix leading the Formula One championship by 59 points, but Mercedes will start him from the back of the grid after installing an entirely new power unit due to reliability problems. The 20-year-old, the first Italian in 73 years to lead the title race, could become Italy's first world champion since Alberto Ascari if he can overcome the disadvantage.
Mercedes chose Monza for the penalty because the circuit's long straights are conducive to overtaking and favor the power unit characteristics they expect from the new engine. Max Verstappen won from a five-place grid penalty at Monza in 2022, and Lewis Hamilton recovered from the back to finish fifth that same year, the team noted.
Drivers starting at their home race have struggled this season: Oscar Piastri failed to start in Australia, Charles Leclerc retired in Monaco, Fernando Alonso suffered a mechanical failure in Spain, and Verstappen crashed on the opening lap of the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort. No Italian driver has won at Monza since Ludovico Scarfiotti in 1966.
Ferrari have introduced a second upgraded power-unit specification for Monza, following their first upgrade in Austria, and will run a low-downforce aerodynamic package designed for the circuit's long straights. The team will compete in a special livery inspired by Michael Schumacher's first Italian Grand Prix victory for Ferrari 30 years ago.
McLaren won the past two races in Hungary and the Netherlands with Lando Norris taking pole and victory at both, extending their upgrades streak after introducing a new floor in Hungary and aerodynamic changes including rear wing and diffuser revisions at Zandvoort. Norris has agreed to extend his contract with McLaren until at least the end of 2030, telling commentator Martin Brundle it was "probably the easiest contract I've had to sign."