Sick since the beginning of the weekend at Zandvoort, Max Verstappen assures he is feeling better before the race, even if some symptoms persist.
Read more Fernando Alonso impressed by Aston Martin’s «incredible» progress
Max Verstappen is not competing in his last Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort in the best conditions. In addition to the difficulties faced by Red Bull with the RB22, the Dutchman has been dealing with a flu-like condition since the start of the weekend.
After Saturday’s qualifying, the four-time world champion had confirmed lacking energy and suffering from several symptoms. A situation far from ideal on the particularly demanding Zandvoort track.
A few hours before the start of the race, Verstappen nevertheless gave more reassuring news about his health condition.
Verstappen already feels better
Interviewed by Viaplay on Sunday, the Red Bull driver explained that his condition had improved overnight.
“I feel a little better today, so that’s always positive” says Verstappen.
The Dutchman is however not yet completely free of his symptoms.
“Physically, yes, it’s better. My nose… I still have a bit of a cough, but when you already start to feel better physically, it’s obviously positive. Especially here, on this circuit.”
A welcome improvement before a grueling 72-lap race. Zandvoort offers little respite to drivers with its many corners and significant downforce variations.
Read more Huge crash for Max Verstappen on the first lap at Zandvoort
The illness does not explain his seventh place
Verstappen had however refused to use his health condition as an excuse after qualifying. Despite his lack of energy outside the car, he assures that his performance behind the wheel is not really affected.
His seventh place on the grid, his worst qualifying result at home since the return of the Dutch Grand Prix in 2021, is therefore mainly explained by Red Bull’s difficulties.
The RB22 has been lagging behind McLaren, Mercedes and Ferrari since the start of the weekend. Verstappen had notably regretted that the major setup changes made after the Sprint had not corrected his balance problems.
He will share the fourth row with his teammate Liam Lawson, eighth and only 0.115 seconds behind him.
A special last race at Zandvoort
The context makes this weekend all the more important for Verstappen. The Dutch Grand Prix will indeed leave the calendar after this 2026 edition, as the organizers have chosen not to extend their contract with Formula 1.
Since Zandvoort’s return to the calendar in 2021, Verstappen has won three times there. A fourth victory seems much more difficult to envision this year given his starting position and Red Bull’s current performance level.
This race will also be his first since the announcement of his extension with the Milton Keynes team until the end of the 2030 season.
Even if he is not yet back to 100% physically, Verstappen will at least be able to approach this last home event in better shape than during the first two days of the weekend.
Read more Jos Verstappen drops a major hint about Max’s career end