Kimi Antonelli was permitted by the FIA to skip mandatory media obligations in Mexico City due to a viral illness. Following a victory in Texas, the Italian driver needs only a top-nine finish on Sunday to clinch the title over his teammate George Russell. Cadillac's Valtteri Bottas was also sidelined on Thursday with an illness, though his team expects him to participate in the race weekend.
Key points
A top-nine finish at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez will secure the world championship…: A top-nine finish at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez will secure the world championship for Antonelli.
The FIA permitted Antonelli to bypass mandatory Thursday media duties to maximize his res…: The FIA permitted Antonelli to bypass mandatory Thursday media duties to maximize his rest.
Both Antonelli and Bottas are expected to proceed with their scheduled weekend driving du…: Both Antonelli and Bottas are expected to proceed with their scheduled weekend driving duties.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
MEXICO CITY, Oct 29 : Kimi Antonelli was excused media duties on Thursday with the Mercedes driver feeling unwell ahead of a Mexico City Grand Prix weekend that is set to make him Formula One's youngest champion.
The team said the 20-year-old Italian was recovering from a viral illness and "feeling under the weather".
"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," a spokeswoman said.
Antonelli will be champion on Sunday if he finishes in the top nine at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on Sunday, even if closest rival and teammate George Russell wins the race. The Italian, who won in Texas last weekend, has a 123-point lead with five races and a maximum 125 points remaining.
Cadillac's Valtteri Bottas was also feeling unwell and taking a day of rest.
"This is a precautionary measure and does not currently affect his participation in the remainder of the race weekend," the team said.
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