Antonelli qualifies fifth for Mexico City GP

Kimi Antonelli qualified fifth for today’s Mexico City Grand Prix, setting the stage for a potential title showdown. The 20-year-old Italian driver admitted to feeling tense and below his best during qualifying.

Antonelli, who missed Thursday’s media day due to a virus, will start from fourth after Red Bull’s Max Verstappen received a grid penalty. He needs to finish ninth or better to make certain of his first drivers’ title and Italy’s first since 1953.

Hamilton will start the race from his record 105th pole position, with Russell second on the grid. Both are 124 and 123 points behind Antonelli in the title race.

Antonelli struggled to get a good feeling with the tyres in Q3, citing a lack of confidence and tension. He described the weekend as not the easiest and noted he is not yet at full fitness.

Antonelli admitted to feeling a bit more tense than usual as the race approaches.