Antonelli: Title Pressure Made Qualifying More Tense

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli could secure the Formula 1 world championship at Sunday's Mexico City Grand Prix, a round of the global open-wheel racing series. The 20-year-old Italian will start from fourth on the grid, and a ninth-place finish is enough to make him the youngest world champion in the sport's history and the first Italian champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953.

Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton took pole position, snatching it at the last moment from Mercedes driver George Russell. It is Ferrari's first pole of the 2026 season. Antonelli qualified fifth but moved up one place after Red Bull driver Max Verstappen received a penalty and will start from a lower position.

Pressure and health

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Antonelli admitted he has felt more tense than usual because he hears the same talk wherever he goes. According to him, people claim everything has already been decided, and he has tried to shut out the noise, though it has not been easy.

The championship leader is also recovering from illness: on Thursday he had a high temperature and stomach problems. He said he is not fully recovered, lacks energy and has not slept well.

The title fight

His closest rival is teammate Russell, who qualified second and trails by 123 points. After this weekend's race only 100 points will remain available. To delay Antonelli's coronation, either Russell or Hamilton must win on Sunday.

Antonelli explained that he felt competitive in the second part of qualifying on used tyres, but could not put together a perfect lap in the decisive round on new tyres. He believes his grid slot gives him a good chance of scoring the points he needs, although the first corner could cause chaos. He plans to rest before the race; his family has also come to Mexico City.