Antonelli admits tension ahead of title‑deciding Mexico City GP
20‑year‑old Kimi Antonelli says he feels “more tense than usual” as he eyes a ninth‑place finish to clinch the championship.
Kimi Antonelli has admitted to feeling “more tense than usual” ahead of the title‑deciding Mexico City Grand Prix.
The 20‑year‑old only needs to finish ninth in the race on Sunday to become the sport’s youngest world champion.
Antonelli qualified fifth on Saturday but will line up from fourth on the grid after a penalty handed to Max Verstappen.
Speaking after qualifying, the Italian said he is still not at 100 percent, still recovering from an illness that forced him to miss his media duties on Thursday.
“It has not been the easiest weekend to be fair. Definitely still not feeling 100 per cent. There is talk of what could happen [with the championship] and definitely I'm a bit more tense than usual,” he told Sky Sports F1.
He added that he hopes to get a good night’s sleep and focus on tomorrow’s race.
Despite his condition, Antonelli produced a final‑lap time within two‑tenths of pole‑sitter Lewis Hamilton, though his Mercedes teammate George Russell was only marginally behind Hamilton in second.
Antonelli reflected on his qualifying performance, saying, “I struggled to get a good feeling from the tyres in Q3. I just didn't have the most confidence. I was a bit tense, I am not going to lie. It was a poor lap, many mistakes here and there. Overall, still P4 and a lot to play for tomorrow.”
Sunday’s race starts at 8 pm, with a build‑up from 6.30 pm, and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1.
