Kimi Antonelli’s title-clinching weekend and Valtteri Bottas’ uncertain Cadillac future were briefly overshadowed on Thursday, as both drivers missed Mexico City Grand Prix media duties through illness. Their teams nevertheless said the absences should not alter their race-weekend plans.

Mercedes said Antonelli, who is recovering from a viral illness, had been excused by the FIA from mandatory media commitments to rest. “We expect him to be back tomorrow,” a team spokesperson said.¹ The 20-year-old remains on the verge of securing his first Formula One championship, with the precise finishing scenario dependent on the results of Mercedes team-mate George Russell and Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton.

The accounts agree that Antonelli’s absence is precautionary rather than an indication he will miss track action. They also note the contrast with his difficult first season: he arrives in Mexico positioned to complete a remarkable turnaround, provided he is fit to race on Sunday.

Cadillac offered a similarly cautious assessment of Bottas, saying the Finn was unwell and had been given a day to recover. “This is a precautionary measure and does not currently affect his participation in the remainder of the race weekend,” the team said.²

But the reporting places different emphasis on what surrounds Bottas’ absence. One account says he has a contract for 2027 but that Cadillac may still reconsider its options after extending Sergio Perez’s deal. The other stresses that no decision has been made over whether Bottas or reserve driver Colton Herta will partner Perez in 2027. Both point to Herta’s Friday practice outing as part of Cadillac’s effort to assess its future choices.

For now, the teams’ shared message is straightforward: rest first, with Antonelli’s championship opportunity and Bottas’ scheduled participation still expected to remain intact.