Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli skipped Formula 1 media activities ahead of the Mexico Grand Prix on Thursday due to illness, as reported by Autosport.com. A spokesperson for the team stated that the championship leader was feeling under the weather from a viral illness he has been recovering from, prompting the FIA to excuse him from Thursday’s schedule.
Expected Return and Title Scenarios
The team statement added that they expect him to return to the circuit on Friday. Antonelli is currently approaching his first Formula 1 world championship, which would break Sebastian Vettel’s 2010 record by over three years to make him the youngest title winner in the sport’s history. To clinch the title on Sunday, the Italian driver needs to finish in ninth place or higher, or ensure that neither teammate George Russell nor Lewis Hamilton wins the race.
Bottas Also Sidelined
Valtteri Bottas also missed media day after falling sick, with Cadillac informing reporters that the Finnish driver was unwell. The team explained that they chose to give him a day of rest to aid his recovery as a precautionary measure, noting that his absence does not currently impact his involvement in the remainder of the race weekend while they continue to monitor his condition.
Potential Reserve Drivers
Should either driver be unable to compete for the rest of the weekend, reserve options are available for both teams. Mercedes would turn to 2023 Formula 2 runner-up Frederik Vesti, who has yet to start a grand prix but is booked for his seventh career opening practice session in George Russell’s car. Meanwhile, Cadillac’s reserve driver is Zhou Guanyu, who would make his return to the grid following the conclusion of his three-year tenure with Alfa Romeo/Sauber at the end of the 2024 season.
