Two ways Antonelli is unexpectedly struggling in Mexico
Formula 1 driver Kimi Antonelli is struggling with fatigue and tension during the Mexican Grand Prix weekend while recovering from an illness. Despite his physical condition and the pressure of a potential title win, he remains focused on his performance.
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Highlights the physical and psychological challenges faced by elite athletes during high-stakes championship races.
Formula 1 Two ways Antonelli is unexpectedly struggling in Mexico Josh Suttill 01 Nov 2026 — 2 min read A low-on-energy Kimi Antonelli said he felt unusually tense driving in qualifying for a likely Formula 1 title-clinching Mexican Grand Prix, where he is still recovering from illness.
Antonelli can win the 2026 drivers’ championship with four rounds to spare if he finishes ninth or higher in Mexico after a supremely controlled season in which he has comprehensively outperformed teammate George Russell.
However, Antonelli was unusually the slower Mercedes in qualifying in Mexico, ending up 0.184 slower than Russell and three places behind, although he gains one of them back because of Max Verstappen’s one-place grid penalty.
That is partly explained by Antonelli not having fully recovered from the illness that meant he missed Thursday media day - but things have not flowed as smoothly as normal in the car either.
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