Live: Antonelli on the cusp of history as F1 races in Mexico City

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli could be crowned Formula 1 drivers' champion this morning, with the young Italian just needing to finish ninth to seal a historic title. 

He starts the Mexico City Grand Prix from fourth, while Australian Oscar Piastri is 12th on the grid.

Follow all the action of the Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix on the live blog below.

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Mon 2 Nov 2026 at 5:53amMon 2 Nov 2026 at 5:53am

STARTING GRID: F1 Mexico City Grand Prix

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Mon 2 Nov 2026 at 5:54amMon 2 Nov 2026 at 5:54am

What does Kimi Antonelli need to do to become F1 world champion?

By Michael Doyle

Italian Kimi Antonelli has his second chance to seal the Formula 1 drivers' championship.

He enters this morning's race with a 123-point lead over teammate George Russell, and a 124-point lead over Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton.

There are a maximum of 125 points that can still be won in this year's championship — so Kimi is all but there.

Antonelli will be champion if he ends this morning's Mexico City Grand Prix with a lead of 100 points, or more.

In simple terms, this is how that will happen:

• If George Russell wins: Kimi Antonelli must finish ninth or better to become world champion.
• If Lewis Hamilton wins: Kimi Antonelli must finish 10th or better to become world champion.
• If neither Russell or Hamilton win: Kimi Antonelli will be world champion.

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Mon 2 Nov 2026 at 5:49amMon 2 Nov 2026 at 5:49am

What time does the F1 Mexico City Grand Prix begin?

By Michael Doyle

Here is when the F1 Mexico City Grand Prix begins in your state or territory.

• 7am AEDT: NSW, Victoria, ACT, Tasmania
• 6:30am: ACDT: South Australia
• 6am AEST: Queensland
• 5:30am ACST: Northern Territory
• 4am AWST: Western Australia

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Mon 2 Nov 2026 at 5:49amMon 2 Nov 2026 at 5:49am

Welcome to the ABC Sport F1 live blog

By Michael Doyle

Buenos días — good morning, Australia.

Welcome back to ABC Sport's live digital coverage of the 2026 Formula 1 championship.

Is today, the day?

Can Kimi Antonelli seal the Formula 1 drivers' championship and create history has its youngest ever champion?

He just needs to finish ninth to secure the title.

Lewis Hamilton is on pole for this morning's Mexico City Grand Prix, while Antonelli starts fourth.

Australian Oscar Piastri is 12th for McLaren.

Join the conversation and let us know your thoughts on all things F1 in the comment section.