F1 Mexico: Antonelli and Bottas ill, cleared for practice
The newsroomUpdated on October 30, 20263 minMexican GP: title contender Kimi Antonelli and Valtteri Bottas, both ill on Thursday, have been cleared to take part in Friday's free practice sessions.
Key point
Ill on Thursday in Mexico City, Kimi Antonelli and Valtteri Bottas are cleared for practice; Antonelli can clinch the F1 title this weekend with two points.
Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) and Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac) missed their media duties in Mexico City on Thursday because of illness, but have been cleared to drive on Friday at the Mexican Grand Prix. The 20-year-old championship leader can win his first world title this weekend.
Antonelli: a viral infection, no lasting concern
Mercedes said the Italian was recovering from a viral infection. The FIA excused him from Thursday's media duties at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez as a precaution. According to RacingNews365, the team then confirmed he was in good shape and would take part in first free practice.
FIA regulations require any driver who falls ill at a grand prix to be assessed by his team's medical staff and then signed off as fit by the FIA Medical Delegate at the circuit medical centre. Antonelli and Bottas have both been through that process.
Bottas: a rest day, Herta in the car
Cadillac gave Bottas a rest day to help his recovery without disclosing a diagnosis. The Finn hands his car to Colton Herta for first free practice: Herta needs to complete enough laps to earn his FIA Super Licence. Bottas resumes his normal programme in second free practice and will carry out his media duties.
RacingNews365 NL adds that Sergio Pérez, also ill, skipped a fan appearance, although his participation in the weekend is not under threat.
What Antonelli needs for the title
According to RacingNews365 NL and F1-Fansite, Antonelli becomes world champion if he scores two points in Mexico, which means finishing ninth. His lead over George Russell would then be at least 100 points. He would become the youngest world champion in F1 history, F1-Fansite notes.
Verstappen points to the calendar
Max Verstappen believes it is no coincidence that drivers are falling ill now: Mexico is the second leg of a triple-header that began in Austin and ends in São Paulo. The calendar has nine grands prix in 11 weeks, and another triple-header follows, from Las Vegas through Qatar to Abu Dhabi. He stresses that mechanics and other team staff are falling ill too.
The sources report no lasting concern for either driver, but they do not say which symptoms caused their absence either.
Frequently asked questions
Is Antonelli fit to race at the Mexican GP?
Yes. Mercedes confirmed he has recovered from a viral infection and will take part in Friday's first free practice.
What does Antonelli need to win the world title in Mexico?
He needs to score two points, which means a ninth-place finish, according to F1-Fansite. His lead over George Russell would then be at least 100 points.
Who replaces Valtteri Bottas in first free practice?
Colton Herta, who needs to complete enough laps to earn his FIA Super Licence. Bottas returns for second free practice.
Sources
- RacingNews365 — medical update on Antonelli and Bottas
- RacingNews365 NL — Antonelli will be on track
- GPFans — Verstappen on illness in the triple-header
- F1-Fansite — Antonelli falls ill before his title shot
Written by the Karrazmotorsport newsroom, proofread before publication. For settings, always refer to your vehicle's manual. Our charter.
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