Mercedes can clinch the constructors’ championship in Mexico City

Mercedes have an opportunity to wrap up the constructors’ championship at the Mexico City Grand Prix, but must score 39 points more than Ferrari. The event could also crown Kimi Antonelli: the driver has a chance to become Formula 1’s youngest world champion as the championship heads to Mexico City.

Antonelli arrives with a substantial lead in the standings. After 18 of 23 races, he has 365 points and nine wins. George Russell, in second, has 242, leaving him 123 behind. Five rounds remain. Antonelli’s victory at the previous race in Austin put the drivers’ title within reach in Mexico: a finish in the top nine would secure the championship. He would also be crowned if Russell and Lewis Hamilton fail to win the race.

There is therefore a title at stake in both championships, but Mercedes must also keep an eye on Ferrari in the constructors’ fight. Ferrari and Red Bull are among its main challengers, while McLaren’s form has faded over the past month. Lando Norris won the Mexico City Grand Prix last year. Max Verstappen, meanwhile, has won five times at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez; Sky Sports describes that total as a record. The focus, however, will be on Antonelli and whether he can seal the title with a victory.

The UK broadcast schedule begins at 6pm with coverage of Mexico City Grand Prix practice, with the session starting at 6.30pm. Qualifying build-up is listed for 8pm. On Sunday, Grand Prix coverage starts at 6.30pm, followed by reaction on “Chequered Flag” at 10pm.

The forecast for Mexico City calls for a hot, dry weekend, similar to Austin. Temperatures could reach 27C during qualifying and the race, with no rain forecast. Those expected conditions will frame a round in which Antonelli could settle the drivers’ title, while Mercedes also has a major constructors’ prize in reach.