Kimi Antonelli Struck With Illness Ahead of Mexico GP

Italian Formula 1 test driver Kimi Antonelli has been ruled out of the Mexico City Grand Prix after a sudden bout of illness, according to reports from NDTV Sports, grandprix247 and Motorsport Week. The 22‑year‑old, who has been making headlines with his impressive performances in the Formula 2 Championship, was expected to be a key figure in the weekend’s free‑practice sessions and could have provided valuable data for the Red Bull and Mercedes teams.

Antonelli’s illness reportedly struck in the days leading up to the race, and team officials confirmed that he would not be able to take part in any on‑track activity. While the exact nature of his ailment has not been disclosed, the driver’s team stated that his health and recovery are the top priority. The decision comes at a crucial time, as the Mexico GP is set to be the final race of the season, potentially deciding the championship for the first time in a decade.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who is leading the championship standings, and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton are both in contention for the title, and the absence of a strong junior driver like Antonelli could influence the teams’ strategic decisions during the race weekend. In the past, teams have used test drivers to fine‑tune car setups and gather telemetry, and Antonelli’s withdrawal means that both Red Bull and Mercedes will have to adjust their plans accordingly.

For Indian fans, the Mexico GP will be available to stream live on FanCode from 12:00 PM IST. The race is scheduled to start at 2:00 PM IST, with the full weekend’s coverage running from Saturday’s practice sessions to Sunday’s main event. Keep an eye on the official F1 app and FanCode for real‑time updates, as teams may release further information about Antonelli’s condition and any potential replacement driver.

Source: NDTV Sports, grandprix247, Motorsport Week