A spokesperson for Mercedes confirmed that the decision to exempt Antonelli from his press duties was made as a precautionary measure by the FIA. The team expressed optimism regarding his condition, stating that they expect the driver to return to his duties on Friday. Antonelli is currently in a commanding position in the standings, holding a 123-point lead over teammate George Russell and a 124-point advantage over Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton.
Title Hopes and Contingency Plans
The upcoming race represents a significant milestone for the young driver, who is on the verge of becoming the youngest champion in the sport's history and the first Italian to claim the title in 73 years. Antonelli can secure the championship this weekend by finishing ninth or higher, regardless of Russell's result. Furthermore, he will be crowned champion if neither Russell nor Hamilton wins the race, even if he fails to score points or is unable to participate.
Should Antonelli’s health prevent him from competing, Mercedes has a contingency plan in place. Reserve driver Frederik Vesti, who has previously participated in six free practice sessions for the team, would be in line to make his Formula One racing debut. Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has urged his squad to maintain focus, emphasizing that the team must remain disciplined and concentrate on the fundamentals rather than the potential championship outcome.
Wider Impact on the Paddock
Antonelli is not the only driver affected by illness ahead of the high-altitude event in Mexico. Cadillac’s Valtteri Bottas has also been sidelined, with his team confirming that he has been granted a day of rest to aid his recovery. In the event that Bottas is unable to continue, Cadillac has options available, including reserve driver Zhou Guanyu and American racer Colton Herta. Herta is already scheduled to participate in Friday's opening practice session as the team evaluates his performance for a potential future seat.
