Max Verstappen ill in Zandvoort! “I’m lacking my usual energy”

It’s not been an easy Grand Prix weekend for Max Verstappen as he bids farewell to Zandvoort: not only is his Red Bull Racing car lacking in competitiveness (starting from just 7th on the grid), but the four-time world champion has now admitted that he is not feeling his best.

The 28-year-old said after the final practice session for the Dutch Grand Prix: “It’s true, I’ve felt better. I just don’t have my usual energy.”

“But I wouldn’t say it’s affecting my performance. When I’m behind the wheel, everything’s fine enough – you just block it out.”

“It’s not a great weekend for me; it’s not pleasant having to race like this. Everyone can relate to that, because everyone gets ill from time to time.”

Seventh on the grid – that’s how far back Max was at Silverstone too (where he later, whilst on course for a podium finish, retired due to a rear wing failure). Verstappen had to start even further back in Japan (where he finished eighth); in Australia, he started from 20th on the grid, finishing sixth when the chequered flag fell.

Topic of the week

Topic of the week: Aprilia comeback? The truth is: Aprilia never went away!

Four weeks ago, Aprilia headed into the summer break from Germany with a badly injured Marco Bezzecchi. The response came from the heart of British motor racing: ‘Together we are strong!’

Thomas Kuttruf

Read more

TV program

Today

Zandvoort: Das Rennen

FIA Formula One World Championship

23.08.2026 - 13:00

Max won his home race in the dunes by the North Sea in 2021, 2022 and 2023. But he is tempering the expectations of his loyal fans: “We had decent pace in the sprint, but we’re probably not fast enough to be in with a chance of victory.”

The weather won’t be helping either: there’s no rain in sight for what is, for the time being, the last Dutch Grand Prix.