Antonelli admits title tension shaped Mexico City qualifying

Kimi Antonelli admitted that the prospect of sealing his first World Championship made him “more tense than usual” during Mexico City Grand Prix qualifying, where he ended the session fifth and will start fourth after Max Verstappen’s grid penalty.

Why it matters:

Antonelli can clinch the title on Sunday with a P9 finish or better, which would make the 20-year-old Italian the youngest World Champion in F1 history. But his qualifying comments suggested the occasion is weighing on him.

The details:

• Antonelli said the session was “tricky for everyone” in low-grip conditions but felt he “didn't do a good enough job” and lacked confidence.
• He acknowledged that keeping his emotions flat had been difficult: “It hasn't been easy this weekend... I've been a bit more tense than usual.”
• Mercedes team-mate George Russell was second behind polesitter Lewis Hamilton, highlighting the car’s potential while Antonelli settled for P4 on the grid.
• With a title mathematically within reach, Antonelli plans to spend Saturday evening with family and friends before refocusing on the race.

What’s next:

Antonelli’s pace and composure under title pressure will be tested over 71 laps. If he can manage the tension and avoid trouble, a top-nine finish is enough to close out the crown.