Verstappen and Russell must tread carefully as grid penalties loom

The four-time world champion, like Isack Hadjar, who is not competing this weekend, had already used two MGU-K units during the first half of the season. The component, which forms part of the hybrid power unit and recovers energy generated under braking, has now been replaced for a third time, taking Verstappen to the maximum allocation permitted under the regulations.

George Russell will also have to be particularly careful from now on, having fitted a fourth exhaust system to his W17 in the Netherlands and therefore reached the maximum allocation permitted under the regulations. Any further change between now and the end of the season will inevitably result in a grid penalty.

Both Ferrari drivers and Arvid Lindblad have also fitted a new exhaust system at Zandvoort, while Oscar Piastri is the only other driver to have taken a new MGU-K. None of them, however, are currently at risk of a grid penalty.

The championship leader, meanwhile, already knows that he will not be able to avoid a penalty. He has confirmed that he is set to take a grid penalty at his home race at Monza in two weeks' time, despite the Italian Grand Prix representing a particularly special weekend for the teenager.

Mercedes believe the Temple of Speed is the most suitable venue to serve what appears to be an inevitable power unit-related grid penalty. With Monza traditionally offering better overtaking opportunities than many other circuits, the team sees it as the best chance to limit the damage.

Speaking to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, Antonelli confirmed that Monza is currently at the top of the list. Although taking the penalty at his home Grand Prix is far from ideal, his priority remains the championship.

With a penalty unavoidable at some stage before the end of the season, Antonelli and Mercedes are therefore focusing on choosing the circuit that gives him the best opportunity to recover positions and still secure a strong result. Despite starting further back at Monza, the Italian is determined to fight his way through the field and deliver a good race in front of his home fans.