Live: Antonelli on the cusp of history as F1 races in Mexico City

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli could be crowned Formula 1 drivers' champion this morning, with the young Italian just needing to finish ninth to seal a historic title. He starts the Mexico City Grand Prix from fourth, while Australian Oscar Piastri is 12th on the grid.Follow all the action of the Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix on the live blog below.Mon 2 Nov 2026 at 5:53amMon 2 Nov 2026 at 5:53amSTARTING GRID: F1 Mexico City Grand PrixMon 2 Nov 2026 at 6:20amMon 2 Nov 2026 at 6:20amWho is Ryo Hirakawa, driving for Haas today?So here was a weird subplot to this weekend's racing.Esteban Ocon is not driving for Haas. He was replaced yesterday by Japanese driver Ryo Hirakawa.Haas statement:TGR Haas F1 Team reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa will replace Esteban Ocon for the remainder of the weekend’s Mexico City Grand Prix, Saturday 31 October – Sunday 1 November.Hirakawa (32), a two-time winner of the FIA World Endurance Championship (2022, 2023) and 24 Hours of Le Mans winner (2022) with Toyota GAZOO Racing, participated in FP1 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on Friday 30 October – his third free practice outing of the season driving the VF-26, finishing 15th overall.The Japanese driver will partner team mate Ollie Bearman through final practice and Qualifying on Saturday and Sunday’s 71-lap Grand Prix – Hirakawa’s Formula 1 race debut.No further statements will be made at this time.Ocon will not be driving with Haas after this season, and he may not drive for them again this year, with reports.Team principal Ayao Komatsu was also coy about why Ocon was dropped from this weekend when he was interviewed by British broadcaster, Sky Sports.“I’m sorry, I can’t go into any details,” he said during FP3.“Honestly, the only thing I can say is we are focused on what’s in front of us and getting Ryo in the best shape for qualifying.“I’m just focusing on this session just now.”Ocon seemed very frustrated with the team after FP2 on Friday (local time) with some reports suggesting the tension within the team led to a physical altercation — something categorically denied by Ocon.Following the recent decision from Haas F1 Team confirming that I will not be participating in this weekend’s Mexico City Grand Prix, I wish to formally address some media reports and speculation surrounding the situation. Last night, a difference in viewpoints led to a discussion with the parties involved. Whilst I acknowledge that this took place, I categorically reject any reports or allegations suggesting that any form of physical violence was used to resolve any differences of any nature. I strongly condemn violence in all its forms and firmly believe that disagreements should always be handled with professionalism, respect, and mutual understanding. I kindly ask that speculation be avoided while the matter is being addressed. Further updates will be communicated in due course.Mon 2 Nov 2026 at 6:10amMon 2 Nov 2026 at 6:10amCatch up on yesterday's qualifying sessionNeed a refresh on how qualifying went yesterday?Lewis Hamilton turned back the clock by taking pole for the F1 Mexico City Grand Prix, while Australian Oscar Piastri's disastrous day saw him miss out on the top 10.Tap the link below and get up to speed.Mon 2 Nov 2026 at 5:54amMon 2 Nov 2026 at 5:54amWhat does Kimi Antonelli need to do to become F1 world champion?Italian Kimi Antonelli has his second chance to seal the Formula 1 drivers' championship.He enters this morning's race with a 123-point lead over teammate George Russell, and a 124-point lead over Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton.There are a maximum of 125 points that can still be won in this year's championship — so Kimi is all but there.Antonelli will be champion if he ends this morning's Mexico City Grand Prix with a lead of 100 points, or more.In simple terms, this is how that will happen:If George Russell wins: Kimi Antonelli must finish ninth or better to become world champion.If Lewis Hamilton wins: Kimi Antonelli must finish 10th or better to become world champion.If neither Russell or Hamilton win: Kimi Antonelli will be world champion.Mon 2 Nov 2026 at 5:49amMon 2 Nov 2026 at 5:49amWhat time does the F1 Mexico City Grand Prix begin?Here is when the F1 Mexico City Grand Prix begins in your state or territory.7am AEDT: NSW, Victoria, ACT, Tasmania6:30am: ACDT: South Australia6am AEST: Queensland5:30am ACST: Northern Territory4am AWST: Western AustraliaMon 2 Nov 2026 at 5:49amMon 2 Nov 2026 at 5:49amWelcome to the ABC Sport F1 live blogBuenos días — good morning, Australia.Welcome back to ABC Sport's live digital coverage of the 2026 Formula 1 championship.Is today the day?Can Kimi Antonelli seal the Formula 1 drivers' championship and create history as its youngest ever champion?He just needs to finish ninth to secure the title.Lewis Hamilton is on pole for this morning's Mexico City Grand Prix, while Antonelli starts fourth.Australian Oscar Piastri is 12th for McLaren.Join the conversation and let us know your thoughts on all things F1 in the comment section.