Crucial Antonelli update emerges after Mexican GP media day absence

The 20-year-old was absent from the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez on Thursday after suffering from a viral illness. Mercedes confirmed that the FIA excused Antonelli from his mandatory media duties as a precaution, allowing him additional time to recover.

The German team had already indicated that it expected the Italian to return on Friday, and Antonelli remains scheduled to drive in FP1.

Antonelli was not the only driver affected by illness ahead of the weekend. Cadillac's Valtteri Bottas also missed Thursday's media activities, although the American team has since provided an update on the Finnish driver's Mexican GP participation.

Mercedes reserve driver Frederik Vesti will also be in action during FP1, replacing George Russell as part of the team's mandatory rookie practice programme.

The Italian arrives in Mexico with the opportunity to become the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history, following his victory at the United States Grand Prix. Antonelli currently holds a 123-point advantage over Russell, with only 125 points still available across the remaining five races.

A ninth-place finish on Sunday would be enough to secure the championship regardless of his teammate's result, allowing Antonelli to break Sebastian Vettel's record as the youngest F1 world champion.