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Sports / Formula One

Verstappen struck by illness ahead of Saudi Grand Prix

Published: 16 Mar 2023 - 02:49 pm | Last Updated: 16 Mar 2023 - 02:51 pm
Red Bull Racing's Dutch driver Max Verstappen arrives in the paddock at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir ahead of the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix on March 2, 2023. (Photo by Giuseppe CACACE / AFP)

Red Bull Racing's Dutch driver Max Verstappen arrives in the paddock at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir ahead of the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix on March 2, 2023. (Photo by Giuseppe CACACE / AFP)

AFP

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia: Double world champion Max Verstappen has delayed his arrival at this weekend's Saudi Arabian Grand Prix by 24 hours due to a stomach illness and will miss Thursday's media day.

But the 25-year-old Dutchman confirmed in a tweet that he is "feeling fine again" and, having delayed his flight to Jeddah, will instead arrive for practice on Friday.

His Red Bull team also tweeted to confirm Verstappen's absence.

"Max has been suffering from a stomach illness over the past few days and with the agreement of the FIA will not be present on track today," said the team.

After victory in a crushing Red Bull one-two at the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, Verstappen leads the drivers' championship ahead of team-mate Sergio Perez.