Kimi Antonelli's rise to the top of the championship has almost looked effortless. Now heading into his home Grand Prix at Monza, that momentum runs into a hindrance. Team Principal Toto Wolff has confirmed a decision from the team that will cause the championship leader to start from the back of the grid. 

Speaking to Sky Sports just before the Dutch Grand Prix, on August 22nd, Wolff revealed that Antonelli will take up the new power unit, resulting in a 10-place grid penalty. In a season, drivers are permitted only four power units, and due to the reliability issues faced by the Silver Arrows earlier in the season, Antonelli has used up his full allocation. 

"With Kimi we are taking the full thing," Toto Wolff told Sky Sports while talking about the decision to opt for a new power unit. 

The Mercedes team principal further spoke about the timing of the penalty and why the team had chosen Monza despite it being Antonelli’s home race. 

"In theory, our calculations say that that's the best track to take it. Obviously, our algorithms don't take nationality into consideration. But we are here to fight for a championship and not get the most PR. So, that's what we are going to do." 

How severe the penalty turns out depends on the number of components the team decides to swap out. However, the 10th-place grid drop is for certain regardless of where Kimi Antonelli qualifies at the Italian Grand Prix. 

After the Dutch Grand Prix, Antonelli leads the Formula One drivers' championship by 59 points over his teammate George Russell, who is second. 

"We are no longer the fastest"- Kimi Antonelli gives honest verdict after Dutch Grand Prix 

For Antonelli, Monza isn't the first hurdle in his bid to become the youngest Formula One champion. Fresh off his second-place finish at the Dutch Grand Prix Antonelli admitted that they were no longer the faster team. 

During the race, the Mercedes driver looked poised to win as he led. However, his pace seemed to disappear on the hard tyres as Lando Norris managed to sail past him. 

While addressing the media post-race, the world championship leader expressed his concern about the team's pace. 

“For sure, we are no longer the fastest car on the grid," Antonelli said via Grande Premio "We are probably second or third, at least here, and McLaren has made a huge step since Hungary, especially with the major upgrade package they brought,” he analyzed. 

Antonelli further expressed his confidence in the team and the upcoming package. 

"“But I trust the team. They have been working very hard on this next package that is coming, and they just want to make sure that everything works well as soon as we fit it. So, for sure, it is going to be harder, a challenge, but we are ready to give our best and make the most of every opportunity. "

Whether that trust and confidence pays off is something only time will tell. 

Written by

Chionia Libania Colaco