Max Verstappen discusses toll of F1 calendar after two drivers fall ill

Four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen commented on the strain the current F1 calendar places on drivers and team members. After two drivers, Kimi Antonelli and Valtteri Bottas, fell ill and missed Thursday's media day in Mexico City, Verstappen stated that it is "normal" for such occurrences to happen around this stage of the season. Antonelli was excused from media duties to recover from a viral illness, while Bottas was described by Mercedes as being out due to a precautionary measure related to his health.

Verstappen explained that the run of three races in a row, with a week's break in between, can be particularly taxing on both the drivers and the personnel involved. He noted that while drivers are the primary focus, mechanics and other team members also experience stress and the potential for illness, as the body can only take so much.

Verstappen emphasized the importance of rest and recovery, acknowledging that some years may be more challenging than others. For him, the toughest aspect of these triple-header races is the inability to return home and be with family during the intense racing periods.