Kimi Antonelli, driving for Mercedes, leads the Formula One world championship by 59 points over teammate George Russell and Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton after 12 rounds of the 2026 season. ^[1] Antonelli will start the Italian Grand Prix at the back of the grid due to penalties for using a new engine. ^[2] Kimi Antonelli leads the Formula One championship by 59 points after 12 rounds, making him the first Italian to lead the standings since 1953. ^[3] Toto Wolff, Mercedes team boss, said the decision to take a new engine was made to benefit the championship campaign and that the objective is now to recover as many places as possible and maximise points. ^[4] Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff said, 'It's disappointing for him and for the fans who want to see him fighting from the front in his home race, but our sport doesn't reward sentiment.' ^[5] Toto Wolff stated that the objective for Antonelli is to recover as many places as possible and maximize points despite the starting position. ^[6] Neil Houldey, McLaren technical director, said they have had a quick car at recent races but expect a pecking order at Monza that does not necessarily reflect Hungary and the Netherlands. ^[7] Ferrari will celebrate the 30th anniversary of Michael Schumacher's first Italian Grand Prix victory with an updated power unit and a special livery. ^[8]