Kimi Antonelli Misses Media Obligations Due to Viral Illness Ahead of Mexico City Grand Prix

Kimi Antonelli, a frontrunner for the Formula 1 championship, is unable to attend Thursday's media obligations at the Mexico City Grand Prix due to a viral illness, as confirmed by Mercedes.

The 20-year-old Italian was set to engage with the media at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez but is currently recovering. Mercedes stated that the FIA has excused him from these duties to allow for rest before the race weekend, with expectations for his return on Friday.

To clinch the championship, Antonelli needs to finish at least ninth in the race on Sunday. If successful, he would become the first Italian driver to win the F1 world title since Alberto Ascari in 1953. Antonelli arrived in Mexico after winning the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, the previous weekend. Additionally, Cadillac driver Valtteri Bottas also missed media commitments due to illness.