Italian GP grid reshuffled as late decision forces double pit-lane start

Aston Martin has confirmed that Alonso will start the Italian Grand Prix from the pit lane after the team detected unusual data from several power unit components on his AMR26 during Q1. The issue prevented the Spaniard from completing his final qualifying run, prompting the team to work on the car overnight ahead of Sunday's race.

The team has made extensive changes to Alonso's power unit ahead of the Italian Grand Prix, fitting three new components to the Spaniard's AMR26. Alonso will use a new MGU-K, his fifth of the season, as well as a new Energy Store and Control Electronics unit, both his sixth of the campaign. All three components exceed the maximum allocation of three permitted under the 2026 Formula 1 Sporting Regulations.

Alonso joins a growing list of drivers caught out by penalties at Monza, with Kimi Antonelli, and Alex Albon all already required to start from the back of the grid after exceeding their respective power unit allocations. Antonelli received a 30-place grid penalty, and Albon a 20-place penalty following changes to their cars ahead of the race.

Liam Lawson, like Alonso, will also start the Italian Grand Prix from the pit lane following a late call by Red Bull. His pit-lane start comes after Red Bull made further changes to his RB22 under parc fermé conditions, replacing the rear wing without the FIA Technical Delegate's approval and altering the suspension set-up.

Oscar Piastri has also been hit with a penalty, although for a different reason. The McLaren driver was handed a three-place grid drop for impeding Lawson during qualifying, moving him from third to sixth and promoting Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton onto the second row.

After qualifying, the Spaniard explained that a power unit issue prevented him from completing his final attempt in Q1, confirming the team's account of what happened. Alonso was unable to identify the exact component responsible at the time, while the problem left him with only one representative lap, set on a used set of tyres after spending a long period waiting in the pit lane. He therefore felt there was still more performance available and that his final qualifying position did not fully reflect the potential of the AMR26.

Alonso set only the 21st-fastest time in Q1, although penalties for championship leader Kimi Antonelli, Red Bull Racing's Liam Lawson and Williams driver Alex Albon initially promoted him to P18 on the starting grid.

Looking ahead to the race, Alonso kept his expectations low, identifying the Cadillacs as his most realistic rivals given Aston Martin's difficulties on Monza's long straights. He also expects circuits such as Las Vegas and potentially Baku to expose similar weaknesses, while Singapore and Austin could offer better opportunities.