Antonelli and Bottas miss Mexico GP media duties ill

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli and Cadillac’s Valtteri Bottas missed Thursday’s media duties at the Mexico City Grand Prix because they were unwell, with both teams saying their absences did not currently rule out participation in the rest of the race weekend. Mercedes said Antonelli was recovering from a viral illness and had been excused by the FIA from mandatory media activities so he could rest. The team expected the 20-year-old to return Friday, but his participation in practice had not been confirmed. Cadillac said Bottas was unwell and had been given a day to rest and recover. The team described the decision as a precaution and said it would monitor his condition and provide an update if necessary. It said the absence did not currently affect his participation in the remainder of the weekend. The missed media schedule comes as Antonelli approaches a possible first Formula 1 drivers’ title. According to reports on the championship calculation, a top-nine finish in Sunday’s Grand Prix would secure the title, regardless of where Mercedes teammate George Russell finishes. The underlying standings were not included in the reports, and the championship remains undecided until...