Max Verstappen has revealed he has recovered from the “awful” illness that had gripped him at Zandvoort ahead of the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix.
Verstappen endured a premature end to what could be his final-ever home Grand Prix at Zandvoort two weeks ago.
The Red Bull driver was caught out by the changeable weather at the start, taking to a wet patch at the final banked corner, which led to a hefty shunt with the barriers.
But the 28-year-old was also suffering from an illness throughout the weekend, which had only compounded his miseries.
Speaking to media including Motorsport Week, on Thursday at Monza, Verstappen revealed that he has fully recovered and described the extent of his “awful” illness.
“I was very ill,” he said. “Actually, you appreciate the other [days]. You feel like how good it is to feel like that. Because the whole weekend in Zandvoort was awful.
“Even after Zandvoort, for a few days, I was still not good. So it was actually really nice to have that week to recover and feel better again. Because it’s been a very long time that I’ve felt like that.”
Max Verstappen is not expecting “miracles” at Monza despite F1 ADUO judgment
In the build-up to the Italian GP, the FIA declared the results of the second ADUO period. Red Bull has been judged to have the best power unit once again, meaning they cannot develop its PU.
The ADUO scheme ranks engines based exclusively on the combustion unit. In that regard, Verstappen is slated to have the best ICE on the grid on a track that is power-sensitive.
But the inherent characteristics of the 50-50 split between the ICE and battery this year mean that the four-time World Champion isn’t expecting any “miracles” in terms of mounting a bid for his maiden 2026 win.
“Yeah, but now it’s 50-50. Engine and battery, I think, on the inefficient tracks, will not be particularly great with energy,” he added.
“So I don’t expect miracles here. It will still be tough. Other teams around us are bringing upgrades at the moment, so they are making steps forward.
“We were already behind before, so I don’t expect that to change now. But we just try to learn more about the car and things that we want different for next year as well.”
Monza is predicted to be yet another circuit, given its long straights and lack of heavy braking zones, except the Variante del Rettifilo, where drivers will aggressively harvest and manage energy.
Verstappen, therefore, is not too optimistic about cutting an advantage over his immediate rivals, even in terms of race pace on Sunday.
“It will be, I think, quite a tough experience for everyone, how to manage the entry run and out,” Verstappen concluded.
“How much you can actually push to pass someone, I don’t know.”
Verstappen would also be wary of Red Bull’s apparent engine disadvantage, as Ferrari is slated to bring an upgraded power unit to the Temple of Speed this weekend.
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