Mercedes communications chief says Antonelli came close to Mexico GP DNF

Kimi Antonelli came close to a DNF in the closing laps of the Mexico Grand Prix, Mercedes communications chief Bradley Lord said. Antonelli secured his first F1 title at the same race. With around four laps left, Antonelli told the team he felt the engine beginning to struggle, Lord said; the car nevertheless reached the finish.

Lord recounted the incident on the High Performance Podcast. He said the oil catch tank had cracked. After the race, Mercedes removed the floor and found it covered in oil, Lord said.

A DNF would not have changed the championship outcome, but the car's survival gave Antonelli a podium alongside Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, the two drivers he idolises.