Mercedes confirms Antonelli's back-of-grid start at Monza as development limits are faced
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 28, 2026, 12:00 PM
Last updated Aug 28, 2026
Mercedes has announced that Kimi Antonelli will start from the back of the grid in the Italian Grand Prix due to the need for additional power-unit hardware. The team is experiencing a challenging development battle amid a tight competition in Formula 1, where rivals may introduce more upgrades. Team officials state that they cannot overspend to improve performance and are prepared to produce fewer parts than their competitors this season. The Italian circuit's characteristics may provide opportunities for recovery during the race despite the starting position. George Russell is also likely to face a similar penalty later in the season due to reliability issues.
- •Kimi Antonelli set to start from the back of the grid at Monza.
- •Mercedes faces limitations on development amid competition with rivals.
- •Team confirms George Russell may also face a similar penalty.
- •Race layout offers potential overtaking opportunities for recovering drivers.
- •Mercedes plans to produce fewer parts than other teams this season.
- 12:00 PMYahoo Sports — Mercedes reveal brutal development limit as Antonelli faces back-of-grid start at Monza
"Mercedes have admitted they cannot simply spend their way out of their current Formula 1 development battle, with the team also confirming that Kimi Antonelli is expected to start the Italian Grand Prix from the back of the grid. The Silver Arrows have found themselves locked in an increasingly tight fight at the front of the field, but team officials have acknowledged that rivals could potentially bring more upgrades during the season simply because they have greater manufacturing capacity.
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