Kimi Antonelli has had little success at Monza so far—but this time, the young driver is heading into the home race with a “different mindset”: Why it still won’t be easy
World Championship leader Kimi Antonelli doesn’t have fond memories of his home race in Monza, Italy: During his debut as a Friday test driver in the 2024 season, the Mercedes driver ended up in the tire barriers after just ten minutes, and his race debut in 2025 was anything but smooth.
Nevertheless, the 20-year-old Italian is traveling to Monza full of anticipation and with a “different mindset.” “I’m really looking forward to it. I think the atmosphere will be great, and it will be completely different from last year,” the current World Championship leader told F1.com.
“I’m definitely approaching this with a different mindset and a different attitude, and I feel like I’ll be able to enjoy the weekend much more,” Antonelli says with conviction. “I’m really excited to be back here.”
Last year, the Mercedes driver experienced a turbulent race: He received a five-second penalty for a collision with Williams driver Alexander Albon, and was subsequently shown the black-and-white flag for violating track limits.
Kimi Antonelli Faces Penalty at His Home Race in Italy
In the end, Antonelli still managed to finish ninth in his first home race, securing two World Championship points. However, the task won’t be any easier this year, as the Mercedes driver will be set back on the starting grid due to an engine change.
The exact penalty has not yet been determined, as the severity depends on how many new powertrain components are installed. For Antonelli, however, it will mean being moved back at least ten starting positions. “With Kimi, we’re prepared to accept the full penalty,” confirms team principal Toto Wolff.
“According to our calculations, this is the best track for it,” adds the Austrian. “Of course, algorithms don’t take nationalities into account. We’re here to fight for the championship, not to generate the most PR. So yes, that’s exactly what we’ll do.”
In the end, it’s partly up to Antonelli himself whether he’ll have a special reason to celebrate at his home race and take the next step toward his first World Championship victory—or whether, of all races, the Italian Grand Prix will mark the turning point of the season.
