Formula 1 today: Antonelli ill

Antonelli and Bottas miss media day through illness, Albon contradicts Alonso, and practice gets under way in Mexico City this evening.

Start/finish straight and grandstands at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in our 3D environment, without cars — Image: scene from our 3D replay

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Antonelli and Bottas miss media day

Andrea Kimi Antonelli did not attend any media commitments in Mexico City on Thursday. According to motorsport-total.com, the championship leader is recovering from a viral infection, and the FIA excused him from his duties for the day. Mercedes expects him back at the track for practice today. Valtteri Bottas has also called in sick. According to motorsport-total.com, the Cadillac F1 Team describes it as a precautionary measure that does not currently affect his participation this weekend.

There is a lot at stake for Antonelli. He leads the drivers' championship on 365 points, ahead of George Russell on 242 and Lewis Hamilton on 241 points. According to formula1.com, he will become world champion for the first time on Sunday if he finishes at least ninth or if neither Russell nor Hamilton wins the race.

Alonso doubles down, Albon disagrees

The debate over the quality at the back of the field continues. According to Sky Sports, Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso has renewed his criticism: in his view, many mistakes and first-lap crashes come down to the driving standard of some drivers. It was prompted by a first-lap collision with Alexander Albon in Austin, for which neither driver was penalised.

Albon sees it differently. According to Sky Sports, the Williams driver has considered the field strong for some time, including the back of the grid. He was backed by Pierre Gasly and Oliver Bearman. Bearman pointed out that the top teams almost have the leading positions to themselves, so midfield drivers have to seize every opportunity.

Hamilton: the final races as a test phase

At Ferrari, attention is already turning to next season. According to formula1.com, Hamilton describes the remaining races as a kind of test phase. The team wants to analyse the season and improve its processes. Top of his list is the power unit. What bothers him most about the current car is its narrow operating window, and he would also like more downforce.

In the constructors' standings, Ferrari are second on 474 points. Behind them, Red Bull and McLaren are level on 355 points each.

What's next in Mexico today

The Mexico City GP is round 19 of the season and takes place at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. The schedule in German time:

Friday: FP1 at 19:30, FP2 at 23:00
Saturday: FP3 at 18:30, qualifying at 22:00
Sunday: race at 21:00

According to Sky Sports, ten teams will run a young driver in first practice, with only Ferrari sticking with both race drivers. Frederik Vesti takes over Russell's car, Ayumu Iwasa drives for Max Verstappen, and Leonardo Fornaroli stands in for Lando Norris. According to formula1.com, Sergio Pérez will also contest his 300th Grand Prix at his home race.

You can find all the dates in the calendar and the latest picture in the standings.