Max Verstappen has revealed he has been suffering from a stomach bug this week, so will miss the pre-race Thursday activities at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
All drivers normally speak to the media on the Thursday before a Formula 1 race, but Verstappen has been granted permission by the FIA to miss these duties.
He will arrive at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit on Friday, ahead of the two practice sessions.
“Feeling fine again, after not being fit for a few days because of a stomach bug,” Verstappen wrote on Twitter.
“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!”
Red Bull added: “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 the track today. Feel better, Max.”
Verstappen dominated the season-opener in Bahrain earlier this month, taking pole position and leading a Red Bull 1-2 in the race.
He won the 2022 Saudi Arabian GP after a thrilling battle with Charles Leclerc and will look to extend his early championship advantage this weekend.
“After a great start in Bahrain I don’t expect it to be an easy task in Jeddah, it is a completely different circuit and needs the car to be quick,” said Verstappen.
“Nevertheless, with the high-speed corners, I do believe we can have a strong car around this track.
“The track changes that have been made are mainly for visibility, so hopefully it has improved things a bit for us drivers, as it was definitely dangerous in some areas.
“It’s a really cool street circuit, with quite a lot of grip, so I always enjoy going back there to race.”
