Kimi Antonelli misses Mexico City media day as 'viral illness' revealed

Kimi Antonelli will miss Thursday's media day in Mexico City as he continues to recover from a viral illness, Mercedes has confirmed.

The 20-year-old was due to face the written press and broadcasters alongside his rivals ahead of the Mexico City Grand Prix, but the Brackley-based squad has secured dispensation from the FIA to excuse him from his mandatory duties.

Antonelli is expected to be fit to take part in the rest of the weekend's track action, with Mercedes stressing that the decision is purely precautionary as he builds up his strength before Friday's practice sessions at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.

Mercedes' confirmation of Antonelli's absence read: "Kimi is feeling under the weather today as he recovers from a viral illness.

"As a precaution, the FIA have excused him from his mandatory media duties to give him the chance to rest ahead of the weekend.

"We expect him to be back tomorrow."

Kimi Antonelli faces challenging weekend

Viral illnesses typically bring fever, fatigue and muscle aches, and recovery over a race weekend usually hinges on rest, hydration and a reduced workload to guard against the cognitive fatigue that comes with prolonged exposure to cockpit heat.

Under FIA regulations, teams must formally notify the governing body's media delegate when a driver is unable to fulfil press commitments through illness, which shields Antonelli from any penalty for his absence on Thursday.

Should any doubt remain over his fitness closer to the race, the FIA's medical delegate retains the authority to check he is fully fit before he is cleared to get back in the car.

For now, Mercedes' message is one of cautious optimism, with the Italian due back in the paddock on Friday.

It is a significant weekend for Antonelli, who will be crowned world champion in the Mexican capital should he finished ninth or better if George Russell wins and 10th or better if Lewis Hamilton wins.