The second half of the Formula 1 season is now fully underway, with the final two European rounds forming a double-header that begins in Italy. McLaren have rediscovered their form, while Ferrari’s home support will ensure plenty of attention when the paddock arrives at Monza.
Antonelli set for a home-race penalty
Ferrari traditionally receive enormous support at Monza, but Italian fans may feel divided this weekend as Kimi Antonelli arrives at his home Grand Prix as the championship leader.
Twelve months ago, it would have been a surprise to predict that Antonelli would hold a 59-point advantage in the standings during only his second Formula 1 season, even with Mercedes expected to produce a championship-contending car.
However, Mercedes are continuing to focus on the best approach to the season as a whole rather than prioritising individual races. As a result, Antonelli faces a difficult challenge to win at Monza because of a planned power unit penalty.
Reliability concerns have convinced Mercedes that both cars will need to take a penalty at some point before the end of the season. The team could also upgrade its power unit through the FIA’s Advanced Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) mechanism.
Whether or not Mercedes introduces a new specification at Monza, the team has confirmed that Antonelli will take a complete new power unit and start near the back of the grid.
“With Kimi, we’re taking the full thing,” Toto Wolff said in Zandvoort. “Our calculations say that that’s the best track to take it. Obviously, algorithms don’t take their nationality into consideration. We’re here to fight for a championship and not get the most PR.”
Red Bull’s driver situation
The summer shutdown ended with an unexpected, although temporary, change to Red Bull’s driver line-up after Isack Hadjar injured his wrist before the Dutch Grand Prix and was ruled out of the weekend at Zandvoort.
Liam Lawson was promoted to replace him and impressed despite having limited practice running during the Sprint weekend. By Saturday’s qualifying session, Lawson had closed in on Max Verstappen and earned a place alongside his team-mate on the fourth row. He then produced a solid drive to seventh, finishing behind the McLaren, Mercedes and Ferrari cars.
With Lawson at Red Bull, Yuki Tsunoda returned to Racing Bulls and also enjoyed a strong weekend, narrowly missing out on points. Both drivers therefore proved capable replacements while Hadjar continues his recovery.
Hadjar’s availability for Monza has not yet been confirmed. If he is unable to return, Red Bull are expected to retain the Zandvoort line-ups, giving Lawson and Tsunoda another opportunity to impress. Monza presents a very different circuit challenge, but the drivers would have three practice sessions to build on their previous experience.
Stability in the Formula 1 driver market
Three driver contracts were confirmed before the Dutch Grand Prix, suggesting there may be little movement across the Formula 1 grid in 2027.
Alex Albon was the first to confirm that he would remain with Williams. His team-mate Carlos Sainz soon followed by committing his future to the team, ensuring James Vowles will have an unchanged driver line-up to work with next year.
Max Verstappen then extended his Red Bull contract until at least the end of 2030. The Dutchman reaffirmed his intention to complete his entire career with the team.
Since the Dutch Grand Prix, Franco Colapinto has also been confirmed for another season at Alpine alongside Pierre Gasly after a strong campaign earned him a contract extension.
So far, the confirmed moves have all involved extensions and renewals. Lando Norris and McLaren have also committed to a long-term partnership, indicating that the driver market has stabilised this year.
Aston Martin remain a team to watch because Fernando Alonso has yet to announce his plans for 2027. There could also be movement at Haas and Racing Bulls.
Ollie Bearman is expected to continue with Haas, while Esteban Ocon’s recent form shows he is doing everything possible to remain alongside him. Both seats, however, are still officially available.
Although no announcement has been made, it would be a major surprise if Isack Hadjar and Arvid Lindblad did not retain their seats at Red Bull and Racing Bulls respectively. Lawson’s substitute appearance has also kept him in contention for another season, despite the emergence of Red Bull junior Nikola Tsolov.
The Tifosi prepare for Ferrari’s home race
Kimi Antonelli may lead the Drivers’ Championship, but Monza is still expected to be transformed into a sea of red as the Tifosi turn out in force.
McLaren have won the past two races, yet Ferrari have been Mercedes’ closest average challenger this season. Lewis Hamilton is joint-second in the standings, 59 points behind Antonelli.
Antonelli’s expected penalty should improve Ferrari’s chances of fighting for victory at their home race as they attempt to reduce Mercedes’ 87-point lead in the Constructors’ Championship.
Formula 1 racing at Monza in front of such a passionate fanbase is always one of the season’s defining sights. If Hamilton or Charles Leclerc can deliver a victory, the atmosphere beneath the iconic podium will be especially memorable.
Ferrari to celebrate Michael Schumacher
Alongside Ferrari’s hopes of winning at Monza, the team will pay tribute to one of the most successful drivers in Formula 1 history.
Michael Schumacher won five of his seven Drivers’ Championships with Ferrari between 2000 and 2005. The 2026 season marks 30 years since the legendary German joined the team and 20 years since his final victory for the Scuderia, which came at Monza as he announced his first retirement from the sport.
Schumacher had to wait five years to win the championship, but he still claimed three victories during his first season in Ferrari red in 1996, including at Monza. He went on to win at least once in each of his 11 seasons with the team.
Ferrari have unveiled special race suits for Hamilton and Leclerc featuring Schumacher’s logo and the seven stars he used on his helmet to represent his seven world titles. Ferrari said this week’s tributes are inspired by Schumacher’s “impact on the racing world” and “his enduring mindset”.
