Mercedes will launch Kimi Antonelli from the rear of the grid at Monza because the driver is ineligible for the sole engine‑upgrade token granted under the 2026 regulations.
Antonelli has already operated four internal combustion engines (ICEs) during the early season and will start the Italian Grand Prix with a completely new unit, a decision that imposes a full‑grid penalty. The team’s decision to introduce a fresh power unit this week stems from a dwindling pool of components available after reliability failures, while teammate George Russell, who has used a comparable number of parts, retains a larger surplus of operational engines.
António’s Engine Count and the Monza Penalty
Mercedes opted to use the only upgrade token on the home circuit, where the high‑speed layout is viewed as one of the easier venues to regain positions. The 2026 calendar still contains 11 races after the pending Qatar and Abu Dhabi events, so any additional power‑unit changes could see further grid drops for the Mercedes‑powered drivers.
With the dealer’s new engine, Antonelli is set to start the race from the very back of the grid, marking the first of potentially several infractions for the season. Teams will need to calculate the remaining mileage they can cover without incurring more penalties.
The ADUO Token and Future Impact on the 2026 Calendar
The single Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) token will not be deployed until the championship’s American leg in October, either in Austin or Mexico City. Mercedes therefore expects Antonelli and Russell to each use six power units over the full campaign, meaning further penalties are likely when the token is finally exercised.
In the meantime, the power‑unit controversy underscores the tight regulatory environment of Formula One, where each engine change carries a tangible cost on the track and at the start‑line.
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