On Thursday morning via social media championship leader Max Verstappen declared that his flight to Jeddah is re-arranged as he is battling a stomach illness.
The 25-year old i set to arrive in the paddock for the first practice session and therefore will miss the usual media day on Thursday.
“Feeling fine again, after not being fit for a few days because of a stomach bug,” Verstappen wrote on Twitter.
“Therefore, I unfortunately had to postpone my flight for a day, so I won’t be on the track until Friday. See you in Jeddah!”
Feeling fine again, after not being fit for a few days because of a stomach bug. Therefore, I unfortunately had to postpone my flight for a day, so I won't be on the track until Friday. See you in Jeddah!
— Max Verstappen (@Max33Verstappen) March 16, 2023
The Red Bull team have confirmed Verstappen’s health issues and have given their permission for him to skip his usual pre-weekend duties.
“Max has been suffering from a stomach illness over the past few days and, with the agreement of the FIA, will not be present at track today. Feel better, Max,” the team wrote.
Verstappen is the favorite for this weekend’s race after the Dutchman stormed to victory at the Bahrain Grand Prix with his teammate Perez finishing a distant second.