Antonelli to miss Mexico media day with illness
Kimi Antonelli will miss Thursday’s Mexico City Grand Prix media day after Mercedes said he has a viral illness. The FIA excused him as a precaution so he can rest ahead of the weekend; Mercedes expects him to return on Friday, when practice begins at 18:30 GMT. His absence comes as he approaches a chance to become Formula 1’s youngest world champion.
Antonelli leads Mercedes team-mate George Russell by 123 points and will clinch the title if he loses no more than two points to Russell and one to Lewis Hamilton in Sunday’s race. If Russell wins, ninth place would be enough for Antonelli; if Hamilton wins, he would need 10th. Cadillac driver Valtteri Bottas is also missing media day through illness, but the team says this currently does not affect his participation in the rest of the weekend. Russell, who has won three races this season to Antonelli’s nine, said he is trying to understand why his own form has fluctuated.
In short
- Antonelli is resting after a viral illness.
- He could become F1’s youngest champion on Sunday.
- Bottas is also unwell, but Cadillac expects no impact on his weekend.
Explained simply
Formula 1 is a series of races in which drivers score points for their finishing positions. Kimi Antonelli races for Mercedes, alongside George Russell, and is in his first season competing for the world championship.
Antonelli has built a large lead over Russell during the season, putting him within reach of the title before the final races. Mercedes is one of several teams on the grid, which also includes Cadillac; results matter to drivers and teams because they shape the championship standings.
Americas Motorsport Sport World