Antonelli could clinch first F1 title in Mexico City with ninth place

Kimi Antonelli could secure his first Formula 1 drivers’ title at the Mexico City Grand Prix on Sunday, November 1. Two points—enough for ninth place—would clinch it.

The Mercedes driver heads into Round 19 with a 123-point lead over teammate George Russell after taking his ninth win of the season in Austin. Even if Antonelli scores no points in Mexico, he can still clinch the title if neither Russell nor Lewis Hamilton wins.

The 4.304-kilometre Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez gives drivers an 830-metre run from pole to the Turn 1 braking point. Former Renault F1 driver Jolyon Palmer says the cars feel low on grip and on the edge at the circuit, with the major braking zones particularly tricky in the first half of the lap.

Pirelli says the circuit’s low-speed corners and limited lateral loads tend to keep tyre wear under control, but thin air reduces aerodynamic load, increases tyre slip and makes graining a concern. It also says the resurfaced track could see grip evolve more markedly over the weekend.

A one-stop strategy could suit the circuit, according to Pirelli, though extending stints remains important because the rear axle is the most heavily stressed. Pirelli also says the soft C5 could be attractive in qualifying and the race.