Kimi Antonelli ‘tense’ with F1 title on the line as true extent of illness battle revealed

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli admitted he feels tense and low on energy ahead of the Mexico City Grand Prix, where he can secure his maiden Formula 1 world championship. Antonelli qualified fourth on the grid, placing him just behind title challengers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell on the front row. The 20-year-old Italian needs only two points or a top-nine finish to clinch the drivers' title.

Antonelli revealed that he suffered from a high fever and stomach issues earlier in the weekend, which forced him to miss Thursday's media day. He noted that the illness disrupted his sleep and left him fatigued, adding that he has struggled to ignore widespread commentary suggesting the championship battle is already decided.