Antonelli on verge of youngest F1 title despite illness

Kimi Antonelli is positioned to become the youngest Formula 1 world champion in history on Sunday, a result that would rewrite the sport's records despite a current viral infection. The Italian driver arrived in Mexico City with the title within reach and is expected to return to the track for Friday's first practice session after missing Thursday's media appearances.

Antonelli needs to finish no lower than ninth at the Mexico City Grand Prix to secure the crown. This threshold allows him to claim the title even if he scores zero points, provided that neither Lewis Hamilton nor his Mercedes teammate George Russell wins the race. The record he aims to break was set by Sebastian Vettel in 2010, who won the championship at age 23.

The driver also stands to make history as the first Italian to win the title since Alberto Ascari in 1953. Mercedes can simultaneously clinch the constructors' championship for the first time since 2021, though that outcome requires strong point totals from both Antonelli and Russell alongside a poor showing by Ferrari, currently in second place.

Antonelli has won nine races this season, including his most recent victory in Texas last week. He stated his preference for securing the title with a strong finish. 'I’m very excited. I would love to clinch the title in style with a great result,' he said. He added that he intends to enjoy the moment as he approaches the end of the season.

Team dynamics have shifted this season under new regulations. Russell won the season opener in Australia, but Antonelli has since won five consecutive races. Russell finished eighth in Austin last week and noted that the two drivers compete against their own preparation rather than directly against each other. 'We’re essentially competing against ourselves,' Russell said.

Cadillac will use Friday's first practice session to evaluate Colton Herta, who will take the wheel of Valtteri Bottas's car. The team has yet to score a point this season and faces uncertainty regarding Bottas's future. Sergio Pérez, who will reach 300 career starts on Sunday, said the decision rests with team principal Marcin Budkowski.

The circuit in Mexico City sits at an altitude of 2,240 meters, which reduces air density and engine power. Russell indicated that Ferrari may hold an advantage due to its smaller turbocharger design. The thin air also increases the risk of brake overheating for all teams during the race.