Antonelli needs ninth place to become youngest F1 champion in Mexico

Kimi Antonelli returned to the track in Mexico City on Friday after missing a press conference due to a viral infection, posting second and fourth times in the two free practice sessions for the Formula 1 Grand Prix. The Mercedes driver will become the youngest champion in the sport's history if he finishes no lower than ninth place on Sunday, a threshold that would surpass the record set by Sebastian Vettel in 2010 when Vettel was 23.

Antonelli expressed enthusiasm about the possibility, stating, "I am very excited. I would love to secure the title with style and a great result." He added that he intends to enjoy every moment because they will always be remembered. The Italian driver has won nine races this season, including the most recent race in Texas, and aims to clinch the title with a strong performance rather than relying solely on his rivals' mistakes.

Charles Leclerc led both practice sessions, demonstrating consistent speed after finishing third in the two previous races. In the second free practice session, Mercedes teammate George Russell finished third, while reigning champion Lando Norris placed second. Mercedes can also secure the constructors' championship for the first time since 2021, though that requires a high point total from Antonelli and Russell combined with a difficult race for Ferrari, which currently trails in the team standings.

Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion, faced technical difficulties during the second session. He finished fourth in the initial run but reported a loss of power mid-session, telling team radio, "Something is wrong with the car. I lost all the power in turn 13." Ferrari officials instructed him to stop the car and exit the track.

Another incident occurred when Max Verstappen and Liam Lawson made contact, triggering a red flag. The FIA cited both drivers for "unnecessary and clumsy" maneuvers, upgrading their penalty from a formal warning to a one-place grid drop. Lawson told radio that Verstappen drove into him, while Verstappen described the behavior as not very intelligent.

The circuit's altitude of 2,240 meters poses unique challenges for engine performance and brake temperatures. Russell noted that Ferrari's smaller turbo setup might provide an advantage in the thinner air, a factor that could influence the race outcome on Sunday.