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2023Max VerstappenRed Bull Racing

Championship leader Verstappen to arrive late in Jeddah after Saudi Arabian GP travel plans impacted by stomach bug

BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN - MARCH 05: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing preparesBAHRAIN, BAHRAIN - MARCH 05: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing prepares to drive on the grid during the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit on March 05, 2023 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Dan Istitene - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)

Max Verstappen will miss the usual pre-weekend media duties at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit after the two-time world champion was struck down by illness and delayed his flight to Saudi Arabia.

Verstappen took to social media on Thursday morning to confirm that he had been battling a stomach bug and, as such, is not due to arrive in the paddock until the first day of practice.

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“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 followed on from Verstappen’s post to confirm that the Dutchman has been given permission to skip Thursday’s media duties by F1 governing body the FIA.

“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. Feel better, Max,” the team wrote.

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Verstappen stormed to pole position and victory at the opening round of the season in Bahrain, with team mate Sergio Perez backing him up in both qualifying and the race.

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