Antonelli misses Mexico media day with viral illness as first F1 title nears

Kimi Antonelli will miss Thursday's media duties at the Mexico City Grand Prix because of a viral illness, with Mercedes expecting him to return on Friday. BBC Sport reported that the FIA had excused the Italian from his commitments so he could rest before a weekend in which he could secure his first Formula 1 world championship.

Watch the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTqxfkWRimk

Mercedes described the absence as precautionary and said it expected Antonelli back the following day. The team's update therefore concerned his Thursday schedule, rather than announcing his withdrawal from the grand prix. Practice is due to begin at 18:30 GMT on Friday, ahead of Sunday's race in Mexico City.

Antonelli holds a 123-point advantage over Mercedes team-mate George Russell in the drivers' standings, according to BBC Sport. Securing the championship would make him the youngest title winner in Formula 1 history. The report identified Russell and Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton as the drivers whose results could keep the title contest alive beyond Mexico.

Antonelli is not the only driver missing media day because of illness. Cadillac said Valtteri Bottas was unwell and had been given a day to rest to help his recovery. The team described its decision as a precaution and said it did not currently change his participation in the rest of the race weekend. Cadillac will continue monitoring his condition and issue further updates if needed.

The health update follows Cadillac's announcement on Wednesday that Sergio Perez had agreed a new contract keeping him with the team until at least 2029. That announcement did not address Bottas' future. The confirmed extension concerns Perez, while the team's immediate statement about Bottas focused on his recovery and his availability for the remainder of the Mexico event.

Cadillac reserve driver Colton Herta is also scheduled to take part in Friday practice at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. BBC Sport reported that it would be his fifth practice outing of the year as the team works to build the mileage he needs for an F1 super licence. Herta moved from IndyCar to Formula 2 this year and is currently 19th in that championship, with fifth his best finish.