Championship leader Andrea Kimi Antonelli has taken a new power unit ahead of first practice at the Belgian Grand Prix, Sky Sports reports. The Mercedes-backed rookie, who tops the standings after a dominant start to the season, will fit a fresh internal combustion engine, turbocharger and MGU-H before Friday's running at Spa-Francorchamps.

The move appears strategic rather than reliability-driven, with the team aiming to manage mileage across the remaining flyaway races. Antonelli's current allocation has covered three events without issue, but the high-speed demands of Spa place unique stress on the power unit.

Grid penalties are not expected as the components fall within the seasonal pool limit. The Italian teenager, 19, has won two of the opening four rounds and holds a 12-point advantage over his nearest rival. First practice begins at 13:30 local time, with live coverage on Sky Sports F1.