By Fatma Younis
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli will miss Thursday's media day at the Mexico City Grand Prix due to a viral illness, the team confirmed, as the Italian stands on the verge of clinching his first Formula 1 world championship.
Championship Scenario
Antonelli leads team-mate George Russell by 123 points in the drivers' standings. He will secure the title on Sunday provided he does not lose more than two points to Russell and one point to Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton. The only way he can be denied the championship is if either Russell or Hamilton wins the race; ninth place would be enough if Russell wins, and tenth if Hamilton wins.
Bottas Also Absent
Cadillac's Valtteri Bottas is also missing media day due to illness. His team described the absence as a precautionary day of rest to support his recovery and said it does not currently affect his participation for the rest of the weekend.
Cadillac Contract News and Herta Prospects
On Wednesday, Cadillac announced a new contract for Sergio Perez that runs until at least 2029. The team made no mention of Bottas's future, and insiders suggest Cadillac is considering promoting American reserve driver Colton Herta to a race seat. Herta will take part in his fifth practice session of the year on Friday at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez as the team works to give him the mileage needed for a super licence. Herta, a former Indycar front-runner, is currently 19th in the Formula 2 standings with a best finish of fifth, though Cadillac believes he has shown greater potential in his F1 outings. No decision has been made on whether Bottas or Herta will partner Perez in 2027.
