Red Bull Racing star Max Verstappen: “It really took its toll on me”

The life of a Formula 1 star is intense, so Grand Prix drivers need to be in top physical condition to be able to perform at their best across the many race weekends. But even when they’re feeling under the weather, there’s no let-up, as Max Verstappen proved at Zandvoort. The Dutchman from the Red Bull Racing Team battled flu-like symptoms at his home race; he was not at his best all weekend.

The 71-time Grand Prix winner had to contest two races whilst in this condition. In the 24-lap sprint, which he started from sixth on the grid, he crossed the finish line in sixth place. He lined up in seventh position on the grid for Sunday’s Grand Prix. He didn’t get very far, however; before the end of the first lap, he spun off and crashed into the barriers. That was the end of the weekend for the 28-year-old.

He then headed off for the short break ahead of the next World Championship round at Monza. In the paddock at the high-speed circuit, Verstappen then spoke about how he’d felt during his home race. He confirmed: “Yes, it really took its toll on me. And once you’re well again, you appreciate all the more that you’re back to full strength.”

“Because the whole Zandvoort weekend was awful, and even after the race I didn’t feel well for a few days. So it was really nice to have a week to recover and feel better again. And it’s been quite a while since I’ve felt that bad,” said the four-time champion, who took the crash in the Grand Prix in his stride. “I felt quite okay as far as the impact was concerned, because I landed in the crash barrier, which absorbed the impact really well.”

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