Already facing a lack of performance from his Red Bull at Zandvoort, Max Verstappen has to deal with an additional problem: the Dutchman has been sick since the start of the weekend.
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Max Verstappen’s home weekend is definitely far from ideal. Only seventh in the Dutch Grand Prix qualifying, the four-time world champion revealed that he has also been suffering from flu-like symptoms since his arrival in Zandvoort.
A situation that comes for what will be, barring any future changes to the F1 calendar, the last Dutch Grand Prix for several years. The Zandvoort circuit has indeed not extended its contract with Formula 1 beyond the 2026 season.
Since the race’s return to the calendar in 2021, Verstappen has won there three times. But securing a fourth victory in front of his home crowd looks particularly difficult this year.
“I just don’t have much energy”
Asked about his health after qualifying, Verstappen did not hide that he was physically weakened.
“I’ve felt better before, yes, admits the Red Bull driver. I just don’t have much energy.”
The Dutchman suffers from symptoms similar to those of the flu, which makes his weekend even less pleasant. However, he believes that his health condition does not explain the difficulties he encountered on track.
When asked if the illness had an influence on his performance behind the wheel, Verstappen was categorical.
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“I don’t think so. Once in the car, it should be fine. It hasn’t been great all weekend. It’s just not pleasant. I’m sick, like anyone can be when they’re sick.”
A Red Bull also struggling
Verstappen’s main problem remains the competitiveness of his RB22. Red Bull has so far failed to keep up with the pace set by McLaren, Mercedes, and Ferrari on the Dutch track.
After a sixth place in the Sprint, Verstappen could do no better than seventh in qualifying. This is his worst grid result at Zandvoort since the Dutch Grand Prix returned.
The significant setup changes made between the Sprint and qualifying did not solve the car’s balance problems. Liam Lawson, who replaces Isack Hadjar this weekend, will start just behind his teammate in eighth position.
Verstappen will therefore have to start from the fourth row this Sunday, far from Lando Norris, George Russell, and Kimi Antonelli, who occupy the top three spots.
Despite the illness and a struggling Red Bull, the Dutchman will try to take advantage of the 72 laps of the race to climb up the order and deliver one last great performance to the Zandvoort crowd.
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