Kimi Antonelli Ill Ahead of Mexico GP

Kimi Antonelli, the Mercedes driver, has been excused from mandatory media obligations ahead of the Mexico City Grand Prix due to illness. Officials confirmed he is recovering from a viral infection and will not participate in Thursday's media session.

The FIA granted Antonelli a day of rest as a precautionary measure, with Mercedes stating he is expected to return to normal activities the following day. His absence comes at a pivotal moment in his second Formula One season.

Antonelli holds a 123-point lead over his teammate George Russell, with five races remaining. He needs to finish ninth or higher in Mexico to secure the championship, even if Russell wins the race.

If Antonelli wins the title, he would become Formula One's youngest-ever world champion, surpassing Sebastian Vettel's record. He has already won nine races this season, including the recent United States Grand Prix in Austin.

Antonelli's potential championship would also make him the first Italian to win the Formula One drivers' title since Alberto Ascari in 1953. His rise in the sport has been notable, given his second season with Mercedes and his debut in 2025.

Other drivers also missed media commitments due to illness, including Cadillac's Valtteri Bottas. Mercedes hopes Antonelli will recover in time for Friday's practice sessions ahead of what could be a historic weekend.