Antonelli Targets Ninth Place in Mexico for a Shot at the Title

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli will become the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history if he finishes in ninth place or higher at Sunday's Mexican Grand Prix. The 20-year-old Italian qualified fifth, but he will start fourth because of a penalty given to Max Verstappen.

Antonelli said the weekend has not been an easy one. The pilot, who has not fully shaken off the illness that caused him to miss last Thursday's press events, said he felt unusually nervous while championship prospects were being discussed.

In qualifying, his performance was weaker than that of teammate George Russell, who finished second. The pilot said he did not get a good feeling from the tyres in the third qualifying session and did not feel confident. He also acknowledged mistakes on his final lap, even though he finished only 0.2 seconds behind pole sitter Lewis Hamilton.

Antonelli said he will try to sleep well before the race and wants to focus on tomorrow.