Kimi Antonelli misses media day with illness before Mexican GP

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli missed his scheduled media commitments on Thursday as he recovered from a viral illness ahead of the Mexico City Grand Prix. The team confirmed that the 20-year-old had been excused from his mandatory media duties as a precaution to allow him to rest before the race weekend.

“Kimi is feeling under the weather today as he recovers from a viral illness,” a Mercedes spokesperson said. “As a precaution, the FIA have excused him from his mandatory media duties to give him the chance to rest ahead of the weekend. We expect him to be back tomorrow.”

Antonelli arrives in Mexico following his victory at the United States Grand Prix in Austin. The Italian is on the brink of a historic achievement and could become Formula 1's youngest-ever world champion this weekend. A ninth-place finish in Sunday's race would be enough to secure the title.

Antonelli was not the only driver to miss Thursday's media activities due to illness. Cadillac's Valtteri Bottas was also unwell and was given a day to rest, although his team said the situation was not expected to affect his participation in the remainder of the weekend.

Mercedes will hope Antonelli recovers in time for Friday's practice sessions as he prepares for a potentially decisive race in his championship campaign.