Kimi Antonelli missed Thursday's media day at the Mexico City Grand Prix with a viral illness. He becomes the youngest world champion if he finishes ninth or higher on Sunday, so whether he runs normally in Friday practice is the biggest question hanging over the weekend.
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Mercedes statement: "We expect him back tomorrow"
According to Sky Sports, Mercedes said: "Kimi is feeling under the weather today as he recovers from a viral illness. As a precaution, the FIA have excused him from his mandatory media duties to give him the chance to rest ahead of the weekend." The team added: "We expect him to be back tomorrow." ESPN likewise reported that the FIA gave him permission to skip his media obligations to rest.
ESPN noted that 20 of the 22 drivers are present for media duties this weekend. The other absentee besides Antonelli is Valtteri Bottas.
Bottas also out, Cadillac to run Herta
Cadillac said Bottas was unwell and could not attend Thursday's media day. The team said it chose to give him a day of rest, calling it a precautionary measure that "does not currently affect his participation in the remainder of the race weekend." Sky Sports mentioned rumours over his seat, adding that he is understood to have a multi-year deal running to the end of 2027. The same outlet reported that Colton Herta will make his fifth practice outing of the season for Cadillac in Friday practice in Bottas' place.
Title scenarios and the weekend schedule
Both Sky Sports and ESPN reported that a ninth-place finish or better on Sunday secures the title for Antonelli. At 20, that would make him the youngest champion, beating Sebastian Vettel's record by three years. Sky Sports added that even with no points, he would be champion if Mercedes team-mate George Russell or Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton does not win the race. According to ESPN, if he does not clinch in Mexico, races remain in Brazil, Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi. Antonelli has won nine races this season.
After his win in Austin, Antonelli told Sky Sports: "The perfect way would be to finish off in style and enjoy the rest of the season. I'm very well aware it's very close but the mindset hasn't changed. I want to finish the season on a high in order to have high hopes in 2027."
| Session | UK time (same as UTC) | Korea time (KST) |
|---|---|---|
| Practice 1 | Fri 30 Oct, 18:30 | Sat 31 Oct, 03:30 |
| Team bosses' press conference | Fri 30 Oct, 21:00 | Sat 31 Oct, 06:00 |
| Practice 2 | Fri 30 Oct, 22:00 | Sat 31 Oct, 07:00 |
| Practice 3 | Sat 31 Oct, 18:30 | Sun 1 Nov, 03:30 |
| Qualifying | Sat 31 Oct, 21:00 | Sun 1 Nov, 06:00 |
| Race | Sun 1 Nov, 20:00 | Mon 2 Nov, 05:00 |
Times are as listed by Sky Sports in UK time; the Korea times are converted from them.