Kimi Antonelli entered the Mexico City Grand Prix needing a ninth-place finish to clinch his maiden championship. Despite the modest target, securing it at the highest-stakes weekend of his career was far from straightforward.
In the days after his triumph in Austin, Antonelli developed a viral illness that left him unwell ahead of the title-deciding race. He was excused from his usual pre-race media duties on Thursday.
Antonelli took part in both Friday practice sessions, but kept a reduced profile as he tried to recover before the weekend’s remaining events.
Sources: Formula 1.