Max Verstappen has pointed directly to the intense physical demands of the current Formula 1 calendar after two of his competitors were struck down by illness ahead of the race weekend. This unexpected situation has sparked renewed conversations within the paddock regarding the extreme workloads shouldered by everyone involved in the premier motorsport series.
The sudden health issues affected Mercedes rising star Andrea Kimi Antonelli alongside Cadillac driver Valtteri Bottas. Both competitors were forced to miss their mandatory Thursday media day duties at the Mexico City Grand Prix as they focused entirely on resting and recovering from their respective ailments.
Mercedes confirmed that the 20-year-old Italian talent had been excused from his media commitments to recuperate from a viral illness. Meanwhile, Cadillac issued a brief statement confirming their driver was unwell with an unspecified medical condition that required him to skip public appearances.
Reflecting on the toll taken on his colleagues, the reigning four-time world champion suggested that such setbacks are entirely expected when approaching the climax of a punishing campaign. The 2026 F1 season features 23 grands prix and is currently navigating the second leg of its final triple-header sequence.
"It is, of course, always quite tough on your body, like three weeks in a row. Sometimes you can get a little bit unlucky with whatever, a stomach bug," Verstappen told reporters in Mexico City, emphasizing that while human endurance is high, bodies eventually demand a proper recovery phase.
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