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Kimi Antonelli almost had to retire in Mexico due to an oil leak

In Mexico, Kimi Antonelli wrote a remarkable chapter in both Formula 1 and Italian sporting history. He clinched his first world championship in a campaign defined not only by his speed, but also by the consistency and maturity he displayed…

Published: Thursday, 5 November 2026 at 10:22 AM
Kimi Antonelli almost had to retire in Mexico due to an oil leak
Key Things to Know
  • Kimi Antonelli nearly retired from the Mexican Grand Prix due to an engine oil leak caused by a cracked sump.
  • Mercedes deputy team principal Bradley Lord revealed the car was covered in oil and on the edge of retirement.
  • Antonelli felt the engine struggle with four laps remaining but nursed the car home to clinch the title.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Kimi Antonelli narrowly avoided retiring from the Mexican Grand Prix after suffering an engine oil leak just laps before securing his first Formula 1 world championship. Mercedes deputy team principal Bradley Lord revealed on the High Performance podcast that a cracked sump left the bottom of Antonelli's W17 covered in oil as the engine struggled toward the finish.

Antonelli managed the issue over the final four laps to complete the race and celebrate on the podium with Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. Even with a potential retirement, Antonelli would reportedly have clinched the title regardless, as title rival Hamilton was unable to pass Verstappen for the required race victory.

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