Historic F1 title within reach, Kimi Antonelli falls ill before the Mexican GP
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli has been excused from his mandatory media commitments ahead of the Mexico City Grand Prix after falling ill with a viral infection, raising fears ahead of a weekend in which he could become the youngest world champion in Formula One history.
The 20-year-old Italian was due to meet the media on Thursday but was allowed to rest after announcing he was unwell. Mercedes confirmed Antonelli was recovering from a viral illness and said the FIA had excused him from his media duties as a precaution.
“Kimi is feeling under the weather today as he recovers from a viral illness. The FIA has relieved him of his mandatory media duties as a precaution to give him a chance to rest before the weekend. We expect him to return tomorrow,” said a Mercedes spokesman.
Antonelli’s absence comes at a crucial moment in his second Formula 1 season. The freshman Mercedes driver, who won the United States Grand Prix in Austin last weekend, arrives in Mexico City on the brink of his first world championship.
WHAT ANTONELLI NEEDS TO TAKE THE TITLE ON SUNDAY
He holds a commanding 123-point lead over team-mate and nearest title rival George Russell with five races remaining and still has the maximum 125 points available. Antonelli needs to finish ninth or higher at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on Sunday to seal the championship even if Russell wins the race.
If he secures the title, Antonelli will become the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history, breaking Sebastian Vettel’s record. The German won his first championship in 2010 at the age of 23 years and 134 days.
Antonelli has won nine races this seasonincluding a triumph in Austin on Sunday that strengthened his grip on the championship. His rise has been particularly striking considering he is only in his second season in the sport, having made his Mercedes debut in 2025.
He could also become the first Italian to win the Formula One Drivers’ Championship since Alberto Ascari in 1953.
Antonelli wasn’t the only driver to miss Thursday’s media commitments due to illness. Cadillac’s Valtteri Bottas was also unwell and was given a rest day. The team said his absence was a precautionary measure and will not affect his participation for the rest of the race weekend at this time.
Mercedes will be hoping Antonelli recovers in time for Friday practice as they prepare for what could be a landmark weekend in F1 history.
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