By Fatma Younis
Formula 1 returns to the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City for round 19 of the 2026 season, with Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli on the verge of securing the world championship. The 20-year-old Italian holds a 123-point lead over teammate George Russell and a 124-point advantage over Lewis Hamilton after his victory in Austin. If Antonelli finishes ninth or higher on Sunday, he will be crowned champion; even if he fails to score, Russell or Hamilton must win the race to extend the title fight to Brazil.
Starting grid
The top 10 grid positions remain to be confirmed after qualifying. The provisional order from 11th place downward is: Nico Hulkenberg (11th), Franco Colapinto (12th), Oscar Piastri (13th), Gabriel Bortoleto (14th), Ollie Bearman (15th), Carlos Sainz (16th), Alex Albon (17th), Fernando Alonso (18th), Ryo Hirakawa (19th), Lance Stroll (20th), Sergio Perez (21st) and Valtteri Bottas (22nd).
Championship scenario
Antonelli dominated the previous round in Texas, winning from pole ahead of Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen. Hamilton missed the podium, while an early penalty dropped Russell to eighth. Antonelli needs only a modest result to clinch the title, whereas his rivals require a victory to keep the championship alive heading into the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Schedule and broadcast
Qualifying takes place on Saturday, 31 October at 9:00 PM GMT, with the race on Sunday, 1 November at 8:00 PM GMT. In the United Kingdom, Sky Sports will broadcast the race live, with coverage starting at 6:30 PM BST; Sky Go and a NOWTV Day Pass offer streaming options. In the United States, all sessions are streamed on Apple TV, which provides a seven-day free trial.
Driver standings
Antonelli leads the drivers' championship with 365 points, followed by Russell (242), Hamilton (241), Verstappen (236) and Leclerc (233). The top 10 also includes Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, Isack Hadjar, Liam Lawson and Pierre Gasly.
Constructor standings
Mercedes tops the constructors' table with 607 points, ahead of Ferrari (474), Red Bull (355) and McLaren (355). Racing Bulls, Alpine, Haas, Audi, Williams, Aston Martin and Cadillac complete the standings.
Remaining 2026 calendar
The season concludes with four more rounds: Brazil at Interlagos (6-8 November), Las Vegas (19-21 November), Qatar at Lusail (27-29 November) and Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina (4-6 December).
