Antonelli struck with illness ahead of Mexico GP

Mercedes' reserve driver Frederik Vesti is expected to fill in for ill Kimi Antonelli at the upcoming Mexico GP, should the 20-year-old Italian be too unwell to race. On Thursday, the young Italian was excused from media duties at the Mexico City Grand Prix due to a viral illness, opting to rest and recover instead of attending news conferences and speaking with reporters at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

A Mercedes spokesperson explained that Antonelli was feeling unwell and was granted permission by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) to rest, with the team expecting him to return the following day. With a massive 123-point lead over George Russell and 124 ahead of Lewis Hamilton, Antonelli was on course to clinch the title by finishing in the top nine, or even if his title rivals failed to win.

Cadillac's Valtteri Bottas also fell ill and was granted a day of rest by his team. In such a situation, Vesti, a reserve driver for Mercedes, would make his Formula One debut, having participated in six free practice sessions for the team. Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff urged for a composed and focused approach as the championships approached, emphasizing the importance of discipline and sticking to fundamentals.