Formula 1: Suffering from the flu, Max Verstappen explains himself in a video during the FIA ​​prize-giving ceremony

Although physically absent from the end-of-season gala, Max Verstappen wasn't entirely absent. The four-time Formula 1 world champion explained his absence with a video message shown during the FIA ​​prize-giving ceremony, held in Uzbekistan.

A highlight of the season, the ceremony of the FIA took place without the pilot present Red Bull, a dominant figure in the championship. An absence immediately noticed, as Verstappen is one of the pillars of the Formula 1 current.

To avoid any controversy, a video recorded by the Dutchman was shown during the gala, allowing the champion to speak directly to the authorities, guests and the public.

In this message, Max Verstappen He explained that he had been struck by a sudden bout of the flu, contracted shortly after the end of the season and his success in Abu Dhabi. Forced to follow medical advice, he was unable to travel and participate in the event.

Max Verstappen's absence brings back some memories regarding protocol obligations.

A clear explanation, presented as a case of force majeure.

The episode inevitably brings to mind significant previous events, notably that of Lewis Hamilton In 2021, he was fined heavily for missing the ceremony after the controversial Abu Dhabi final. This time, the context is significantly different: the medical justification and the broadcast of the message during the gala should be enough to avoid any sanction against him. Verstappen.

This absence comes at a time when Verstappen has never hidden his weariness with the off-track obligations imposed on drivers. He recently expressed this in an interview given to Viaplay: « Honestly, this is ridiculous. We're exhausted. It's been a very difficult season. You want to recharge, not sit in a room for hours. If it were optional, I wouldn't be here. »

These remarks take on a particular resonance today, even if, in this instance, his absence is strictly linked to health reasons.

Before becoming ill, Max Verstappen had wanted to thank his team Red Bull for the work accomplished throughout the season, recalling that his fourth world title is above all the result of a collective effort.

Although the gala was held without him, the message broadcast during the ceremony allowed Verstappen to remain symbolically present. An explained, controlled absence, which illustrates once again the extreme demands of a Formula 1 season.