– WM leader Kimi Antonelli has no good memories of his home race in Italy at Monza: In his debut as a Friday test driver in the 2024 season, the Mercedes driver ended up in the tire stacks after just ten minutes, and his race debut in 2025 was anything but smooth.
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Nevertheless, the 20-year-old Italian travels to Monza full of anticipation and with a “different mindset.” “I am very excited. I believe the atmosphere will be great, and it will be very different from last year,” says the current championship leader in an interview with F1.com.
“I am definitely approaching things with a different attitude and mindset, and I feel like I can enjoy the weekend much more,” Antonelli is convinced. “I am really looking forward to being here again.”
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Last year, the Mercedes driver experienced a turbulent race: He received a five-second penalty for a collision with Williams driver Alexander Albon, and then was shown the black-and-white flag for track limit violations.
Kimi Antonelli penalized at the Italian home race
In the end, Antonelli finished ninth in his first home race, securing two championship points. However, the task will not be easier this year, as the Mercedes driver will be moved back on the starting grid due to an engine change.
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The exact penalty is not yet determined, as it depends on how many new power unit components are installed. For Antonelli, it means at least a ten-place grid drop. “We accept the full penalty for Kimi,” confirms team boss Toto Wolff.
“According to our calculations, this is the best track for it,” adds the Austrian. “Of course, algorithms do not consider nationalities. We are here because we are fighting for the championship, not to generate the most PR. So yes, that is exactly what we will do.”
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In the end, it is somewhat up to Antonelli himself whether he has a special reason to celebrate at his home race and can take the next step toward his first world championship victory—or whether the Italian home race will become the turning point of the season.
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