Historic F1 title within reach, Kimi Antonelli falls ill ahead of Mexico GP

Kimi Antonelli missed Thursday's mandatory media duties before the Mexico City Grand Prix while recovering from a viral illness. The Mercedes driver needs at least a ninth place on Sunday to become Formula One's youngest world champion ever.Kimi Antonelli won the US Grand Prix in October (Reuters Photo)New Delhi,Oct 30, 2026 13:14 ISTMercedes 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 concerns ahead of a weekend in which he could become Formula One's youngest-ever world champion.The 20-year-old Italian was scheduled to meet the media on Thursday but was allowed to rest after reporting that he was feeling unwell. Mercedes confirmed that 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. As a precaution, the FIA has excused him from his mandatory media duties to give him the chance to rest ahead of the weekend. We expect him to be back tomorrow," a Mercedes spokesperson said.Antonelli's absence comes at a crucial juncture in his second Formula One season. Fresh from winning the United States Grand Prix in Austin last weekend, the Mercedes driver arrives in Mexico City on the brink of a maiden world championship. WHAT ANTONELLI NEEDS FOR TITLE ON SUNDAYHe holds a commanding 123-point lead over teammate and closest title rival George Russell, with five races remaining and a maximum of 125 points still 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 clinches the title, Antonelli will become the youngest world champion in Formula One history, breaking Sebastian Vettel's record. The German won his maiden championship in 2010, aged 23 years and 134 days. Antonelli has won nine races this season, including last Sunday's triumph in Austin, which strengthened his grip on the championship. His rise has been particularly striking given that he is only in his second season in the sport, having made his debut with Mercedes in 2025.He could also become the first Italian to win the Formula One drivers' championship since Alberto Ascari in 1953.Antonelli was not the only driver to miss Thursday's media commitments due to illness. Cadillac's Valtteri Bottas was also unwell and was given a day of rest. The team said his absence was a precautionary measure and would not currently affect his participation in the remainder of the race weekend.Mercedes will hope Antonelli recovers in time for Friday's practice sessions as he prepares for what could be a landmark weekend in Formula One history.- Ends