Virus ahead of match point: Antonelli skips Mexico media day
Championship leader Kimi Antonelli cancelled his Thursday media duties in Mexico City because of a viral infection. Mercedes expect him back on Friday – on Sunday he can be crowned world champion.
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Just before his potential title triumph, Kimi Antonelli missed the media day ahead of the Mexico City Grand Prix. A Mercedes spokesperson said, according to Motorsport-Total, that the 20-year-old is recovering from a viral infection. The FIA excused him from his mandatory duties so he could rest before the weekend, Blick reported. The team said it expected him back the following day. Cadillac driver Valtteri Bottas was also unwell and was given a rest day – a precaution, according to the team, with no impact on his participation in the race weekend.
The sporting picture is clear: Antonelli leads the championship on 365 points, ahead of team-mate George Russell (242) and Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton (241). According to LAOLA1, he will be champion on Sunday if he finishes ninth or better, tenth if Russell does not win, or even without points if neither Russell nor Hamilton wins. Motorsport-Total says he would become the youngest champion in Formula 1 history, beating Sebastian Vettel's 2010 record by more than three years.
Mexico is round 19 of 24. Antonelli has won nine Grands Prix this season and taken six further podiums, according to Blick. First practice starts on Friday at 19:30 CET, the race on Sunday at 21:00 CET.