The Mexico City Grand Prix weekend is underway with Kimi Antonelli on the verge of making Formula One history. The 20-year-old Italian needs just two points, which he can secure by finishing ninth or higher in Sunday's race, to become the youngest F1 world champion. However, there has been concern over his wellbeing this week due to a viral illness which saw him excused from media day.
Mercedes Confident Antonelli Will Return
Mercedes issued a statement on the topic, stating that they "expect him to be back tomorrow." A spokesperson told Express Sport: "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. We expect him to be back tomorrow."
Antonelli was absent from Thursday's media day in Mexico City as a result of the illness, but the team has indicated he should be fit to compete in the race.
Rookies to Step In for Key Drivers
Lando Norris, Max Verstappen and George Russell are among those that will not be present at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, with rookies from their respective teams taking to the track to fulfill strict requirements. Mercedes' Antonelli and Russell will both miss key events during the Mexico City GP weekend.
Stay with Express Sport throughout the day for all the latest F1 news and updates ahead of Sunday's race.
