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Antonelli leads Russell by 123 points heading Mexico GP

By Drooid · Oct 31, 2026 · How we work

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Summary

Kimi Antonelli leads George Russell by 123 points with 100 points remaining.
The lead puts Antonelli in position to win the title at the Mexican Grand Prix.
Finishing ninth or better on Sunday would make Antonelli F1’s youngest champion and Italy’s first since 1953.
He missed Thursday media duties after Mercedes cited a viral illness and gave him rest.

Summary

FIA granted Antonelli an exemption from Thursday media duties because of a viral illness.
Mercedes said the exemption was a precaution to let him rest before the weekend.
Cadillac driver Valtteri Bottas also missed Thursday media commitments after feeling unwell.
FIA clarified the exemption does not affect either driver’s participation in the race.
The exemption applies to Thursday’s media session at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.

History

In 2010 Sebastian Vettel became the youngest Formula One World Champion at 23 years 134 days, giving Red Bull Racing its first Drivers’ and Constructors’ titles in a 19-race season. That year also introduced a refuelling ban and a new tyre supplier, illustrating how regulatory shifts reshape competition—a dynamic echoed today by Kimi Antonelli’s points lead.

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In 2010 Sebastian Vettel became the youngest Formula One World Champion at 23 years 134 days, giving Red Bull Racing its first Drivers’ and Constructors’ titles in a 19-race season. That year also introduced a refuelling ban and a new tyre supplier, illustrating how regulatory shifts reshape competition—a dynamic echoed today by Kimi Antonelli’s points lead.

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