Mercedes rules out ADUO engine upgrade at Italian GP as updated F1 power unit due in October
Mercedes was permitted one upgrade token under Formula 1’s Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities scheme, but has confirmed that Kimi Antonelli won’t race with an updated power unit at this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix. One of the biggest talking points heading into the Monza round is Antonelli’s grid drop, which comes as he exceeds his power unit allowance for the 2026 ... Keep reading
Mercedes has decided against upgrading Kimi Antonelli's ADUO engine for the upcoming Italian Grand Prix. The updated power unit is set to be introduced in October during the American leg of the championship. Antonelli will start from the back of the grid at his home race as he has already exceeded his power unit allowance for the 2026 season.
This move is due to reliability issues and terminal failures affecting the number of components available for Antonelli. Although Mercedes has been granted an upgrade token under the Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities scheme, the new unit will not feature the ADUO upgrades. This decision impacts both Antonelli and team-mate George Russell, who are expected to face multiple grid drops over the course of the 2026 season.
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