Red Bull's stunning start to the 2023 Formula 1 campaign is already at risk of being disrupted after they revealed Max Verstappen is suffering from a stomach illness prior to Sunday's Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
The Dutchman delivered the perfect start to his world title defence almost a fortnight ago when he sailed to victory in the Bahrain Grand Prix. Verstappen tweeted today that his travel to Jeddah had been delayed as a result of the bug, missing Thursday's track commitments as a result.
"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 track today," wrote the current champions. "Feel better, Max."
Verstappen's original tweet read that he was "feeling fine again after not being fit for a few days." Even if the 25-year-old does qualify this weekend and take to the grid Sunday, questions may be raised over his fitness levels and ability to compete at his usual standards.
Red Bull's leading man is the defending champion in Jeddah, having won last year's Saudi Arabian crown after Lewis Hamilton took the inaugural title one year prior. Verstappen took victory in 2022 despite team-mate Sergio Perez starting on pole, though the Mexican fell back to finish fourth on race day.
Should Verstappen fail to prove his fitness in time for Sunday, it could lead to an early recall for third driver Daniel Ricciardo. The Australian re-joined Red Bull following his exit from McLaren at the end of 2022, but he may not have expected his services would be required so soon in the new season.
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However, the team has a list of potential options to call upon, with reserve drivers Liam Lawson, Dennis Hauger or Zane Maloney potentially getting the call before Ricciardo. It's uncertain as to when on Friday Verstappen is hoping to be involved, though it's plausible the early practice session at least could have a different name in the seat.
After a one-two finish in the Sakhir season-opener, Red Bull have the weight of expectation upon their shoulders coming to Jeddah. The dominant power in recent F1 campaigns will have more victories in sight given the strength of this year's design, with third-place Fernando Alonso finishing 38 seconds behind in Bahrain.
So strong is Red Bull's specimen that many would likely back Verstappen to win even if he ended up missing Friday's first day of practice. The real problems arise should Saturday's qualifying session hamper Sunday's start, however, placing pressure on the reigning champion to be ready by then.
