Mercedes have revealed that Kimi Antonelli is not fully fit ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix, with the Italian recovering from a viral infection just days before he could secure his first Formula 1 world championship. The 20-year-old was excused from his media commitments on Thursday to allow him additional time to rest, although the team remains confident he will be available for the start of the race weekend.
The timing is far from ideal for Antonelli, who arrives in Mexico with an opportunity to make Formula 1 history. Mercedes are nevertheless taking precautions to ensure their championship leader is given the best possible chance of recovering before Sunday’s race.
Mercedes provide update on Antonelli’s health
Mercedes confirmed on Thursday evening that Antonelli was feeling unwell as he continued to recover from a viral infection.
“Kimi is not feeling quite well today as he is currently recovering from a viral infection. As a precautionary measure, the FIA has exempted him from his mandatory media obligations so that he can rest before the weekend,” the team explained.
The Silver Arrows do not currently anticipate any significant disruption to his participation in Mexico City.
“We assume that he will be back tomorrow,” Mercedes added.
The team will therefore be hoping that the additional rest allows Antonelli to recover sufficiently before Friday’s opening practice session, scheduled for 19:30 UK time.
Antonelli closing in on historic Formula 1 title
Despite the health concern, Antonelli remains in an exceptionally strong position in the championship.
The Mercedes youngster needs only a ninth-place finish at the Mexican Grand Prix to guarantee the 2026 drivers’ championship, regardless of the results of his rivals.
Victory in Mexico would make him the youngest Formula 1 world champion in history, surpassing Sebastian Vettel, who was 23 when he secured his first title in 2010.
Antonelli currently holds a 123-point advantage over Mercedes teammate George Russell and leads seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton by 124 points. With 125 points still available, the Italian has a substantial cushion heading into the final stages of the season.
From rookie struggles to championship dominance
Antonelli’s remarkable transformation has been one of the defining stories of the 2026 campaign.
The Bologna-born driver made his Formula 1 debut with Mercedes in 2025, finishing his rookie season seventh in the drivers’ standings. Russell comfortably won their internal battle, collecting 319 points compared with Antonelli’s 150.
However, the balance of power has shifted dramatically this season.
Antonelli has won nine races and recorded 15 podium finishes, establishing himself as the dominant force within Mercedes and the leading contender for the championship.
He could already have wrapped up the title at the previous United States Grand Prix. However, Russell’s eighth-place finish meant the championship celebration had to be postponed.
Now, with Mexico offering another opportunity, Mercedes will be hoping their young star can put his illness behind him.
The immediate priority is ensuring Antonelli is fit enough to compete. With a historic championship potentially just days away, the team will be keen to avoid taking unnecessary risks with its most important driver.
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The Judge, a nom de plume of an experienced F1 journalist and site founder with long-standing sources across the paddock. With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
