Two Ways Antonelli Is Unexpectedly Struggling in Mexico
Summary
Kimi Antonelli can clinch the 2026 F1 title in Mexico, but illness and title pressure have left him unusually tense and off the pace in qualifying, 0.184s slower than George Russell.
Kimi Antonelli can clinch the 2026 F1 title in Mexico with four rounds to spare if he finishes ninth or higher, but illness and title pressure have disrupted his usual control. He qualified 0.184s slower than George Russell and starts fourth after Max Verstappen’s grid penalty.
Why it matters:
Antonelli has largely dominated Russell in 2026, so this dip is unusual. Mexico is not a crisis, but it shows how fatigue and expectation can affect a title run.
The details:
- Antonelli missed Thursday media day with a high fever and stomach problems. He said he was “very tired” and “low on energy” in qualifying.
- He was “a bit more tense than usual” as people repeatedly told him the title was “already done.” He tried to block the noise but could not fully.
- His Q3 lap never came together. He lost time mainly at Turns 5 and 6 and a little through Turns 8/9, citing mistakes and grip rather than one clear weakness.
- He did not blame Mercedes’ narrow-window upgrade, noting it is the same package from Austin, Singapore and Malaysia. Tyres also played a role.
- He saved a new tyre set and believes P4 still leaves room to move forward.
What's next:
Antonelli plans to use melatonin and target 10 hours of sleep to rebuild energy. A recovered drive could seal the title; another off day would make Mexico about damage limitation.
Original Article :https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/two-ways-antonelli-is-unexpectedly-struggling...