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Kimi Antonelli faces grid penalty as mercedes confirms power unit investigation
Sanjeev Kumar | July 18, 2026 8:22 AM CST

Kimi Antonelli faces a looming grid drop in Formula 1 after Mercedes confirmed that his W17 has been fitted with a fourth power unit, triggering an investigation by the team into a possible technical issue.

This development puts Antonelli on the brink of a costly grid penalty that could significantly impact his race weekend.

Meanwhile, Max Verstappen has praised Red Bull Racing's decision to abandon its innovative rotating rear wing for the upcoming Belgian Grand Prix. After experiencing two separate incidents at Silverstone, Verstappen described the component as "super dangerous" and lauded the team's move as the "wisest" possible choice, underlining the importance of safety and reliability as the championship battle intensifies.

Lando Norris has voiced his optimism that McLaren can deploy a strategic grid penalty maneuver, similar to tactics employed by other competitors, to salvage his Belgian Grand Prix campaign. Norris' confidence signals a potential shake-up in the team's approach as they seek to maximize their points haul at Spa-Francorchamps.

In another high-profile move, 13-time Grand Prix winner David Coulthard is set to join the management structure of Alex Albon. The addition of Coulthard brings a wealth of experience and strategic acumen to Albon's camp, marking a significant shift in the driver's professional support network.

The second practice session for the Belgian Grand Prix was dramatically interrupted when Pierre Gasly suffered a heavy crash, resulting in the red flags being brought out for a second time. Gasly's incident disrupted running and highlighted the ever-present risks facing drivers at Spa, a circuit notorious for its challenging conditions.

Williams team principal James Vowles has delivered a seismic revelation, confirming that Formula 1 will undergo "fairly significant" aerodynamic regulation changes for the 2027 season. Vowles' announcement sets the stage for a major technical overhaul, promising to reshape the competitive landscape and usher in a new era of innovation and rivalry.

These headline developments mark a pivotal moment in the current Formula 1 narrative, with technical intrigue, driver market moves, and regulatory upheaval dominating the agenda as the paddock prepares for another action-packed weekend at Spa-Francorchamps.


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