The Mercedes-AMG F1 team fitted Kimi Antonelli’s W17 with its fifth internal combustion engine and a complete set of power unit components for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, resulting in a back-of-the-grid penalty. However, this may not be the team’s final new power unit of the season, as Mercedes is expected to introduce a sixth upgraded unit under the Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) rules.
Mercedes confirmed that taking the penalty at Monza was a strategic choice due to the track’s overtaking opportunities. The strategy worked in the team’s favor. Despite starting at the back of the grid, Antonelli raced to the top and won the race, further extending his lead in the Drivers’ Standings over his teammate George Russell, who came second.
Notably, the fifth power unit introduced in Monza focused on reliability rather than introducing performance upgrades under ADUO. Now, according to a report by Formel1.de, the penalty incurred at Monza may not be Mercedes’ last of the season, with ten races still remaining. This includes the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix, although their status remains uncertain amid the ongoing military conflict in the Middle East.
Mercedes has the option to introduce an additional upgraded power unit under ADUO. According to the report, the team plans to bring it either at the United States Grand Prix in Austin or the following race in Mexico. This would mean Antonelli and George Russell use a total of six power units during the season.
Some of the problems with Antonelli’s earlier power units proved too severe to repair, leaving several components unusable. This reduced the number of available components in his power unit pool and forced Mercedes to introduce a new unit at the Italian GP. The decision was also influenced by the demanding stretch ahead, with four races remaining at the time, including three on street circuits.
Russell is in a slightly stronger position despite using a similar number of components. He has already moved to his fourth turbocharger, one more than Antonelli, but Mercedes has a larger reserve of usable components for Russell because he has suffered fewer permanent failures than his teammate.
