Antonelli misses media day with illness as he eyes youngest-ever F1 title

Kimi Antonelli is set to miss Thursday’s media day at the Mexico City Grand Prix after falling ill, according to BBC News ^[1]. The Mercedes driver has been excused by the FIA due to a "viral illness", with the team stating the break is a precaution to help him rest ahead of a potential title-clinching weekend.

Antonelli needs only to finish ninth if teammate George Russell wins, or tenth if Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton triumphs, to secure his first world championship. If successful, he will become the youngest winner in Formula 1 history. A Mercedes spokesperson told the BBC that they expect him to return for practice on Friday ^[1].

The Italian is not alone in sitting out duties. Cadillac’s Valtteri Bottas was also deemed "unwell" by his team, who said the decision was made to support his recovery. According to The Guardian, this measure does not currently affect his participation for the rest of the weekend ^[2].

While Bottas rests, Cadillac is navigating uncertainty regarding his future. The team recently announced Sergio Perez’s contract extension until 2029 but made no mention of the Finn’s role. Insiders say the squad is considering promoting American reserve driver Colton Herta into the race seat for 2027, as reported by BBC News ^[1].

Herta is currently gaining the necessary mileage for his super licence during Friday practice. His transition from Indycar to Formula 2 has been difficult, leaving him 19th in the standings, though Cadillac believes he shows greater potential in his rare F1 outings. No decision has been finalised on whether Bottas or Herta will partner Perez next year.

Meanwhile, George Russell has reflected on a bruising season where he has been out-driven by Antonelli. Russell admitted he has learned more about himself this year than he would have liked, but insisted the campaign will not define his career. He cited Lewis Hamilton’s success in his thirties and Fernando Alonso’s longevity as proof that he still has time to win a title. "It’s not going to break me, if anything, it’s going to make me stronger," Russell said at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, according to The Guardian ^[2].

Russell currently sits second in the championship, just one point ahead of Hamilton. As Antonelli prepares to potentially seal the deal, the focus in Mexico shifts to whether health issues will impact the final run-in to the title.