Formula 1: Kimi Antonelli falls ill ahead of Mexico City GP

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New Delhi: Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli will not compete in the Mexico City Grand Prix after falling ill at the Mexico City GP. He is likely to become the youngest ever Formula One world champion.kimi antonelli

The 20-year-old, who was diagnosed with a viral illness, did not take part in his required media duties on Thursday after the FIA granted him permission to rest. Mercedes anticipate he will be back in the paddock on Friday for the opening practice sessions.

Antonelli sits 123 points ahead of teammate and nearest challenger George Russell after 19 rounds of the 2026 F1 season.

But now he is just a win away from a first world championship, with five remaining races after he struck victory at the United States GP in Austin on Sunday. He just needs to come ninth or higher in the race on Sunday to secure the championship, even if Russell wins.

Should Antonelli prevail, he will etch his name into the history books as the youngest world champion in Formula One history.

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He would also put an end to Italy’s 73-year hiatus since it last had a F1 drivers’ world champion, Alberto Ascari, in 1953.

In the same vain, Valtteri Bottas who drives for the Cadillac team also was absent from the media session held on Thursday due to unwell.

The team said his non-appearance was a precaution and was not currently impacting his involvement in the remaining part of the race weekend.

Mercedes has also maintained an interest in Antonelli’s recovery ahead of what could be a historic weekend in Mexico City.

Also Read: F1 announces 2027 calendar with 24 Grands Prix, 10 Sprint events

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