Max Verstappen To Miss Start Of Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Weekend Due To Illness

Max Verstappen to miss the start of the Saudi Arabian GP weekend after FIA approval.

Max Verstappen and Red Bull have confirmed that the two-time champion will miss the start of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix race weekend due to illness. 

The free practice sessions start tomorrow ahead of the third free practice session and qualifying on Saturday, followed by the race on Sunday. 

Drivers and teams have already been arriving in Saudi Arabia to set up and the drivers will be doing their press conference later today as well as other media interviews in the TV pen. However, Verstappen will be missing this after not being able to get his flight due to an illness. 

Taking to social media, the Belgian-Dutch driver informed fans of his absence but also tried to alleviate any concerns by confirming he is feeling better now. He wrote:

"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!"

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 Austrian team also confirmed the news to Twitter, writing:

"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"

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. 🙏🦁 https://t.co/f7CMBgchZY

— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) March 16, 2023

So long as Verstappen is able to get to the track tomorrow, he shouldn't miss out on any track time ahead of the second race of the season on Sunday. 

The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is the first street race of the season and Red Bull have already said it is a track that is more likely to suit the Ferrari's and that they anticipate the field being much closer together than the Bahrain Grand Prix. So, here's to an exciting race weekend!