Verstappen flags physical toll of triple-headers as Antonelli and Bottas fall ill in Mexico

Max Verstappen has spoken candidly about the physical demands of Formula 1’s triple-header schedule after two drivers — championship leader Kimi Antonelli and Valtteri Bottas — were absent from Thursday’s media day at the Mexican Grand Prix.

Antonelli, who leads the 2026 drivers’ standings, was excused from media duties by Mercedes as he recovers from a viral illness. The Italian is expected to be fit for Friday practice. Cadillac’s Bottas also sat out the session, with his team describing the absence as a precaution.

Mexico City is the second stop of a triple-header that began with the United States Grand Prix last week and concludes with the Brazilian Grand Prix next week. The final nine races of the 2026 season are structured as three consecutive triple-headers, separated by single-week breaks.

When asked in the paddock how the relentless run of races had affected him, Verstappen was direct. “It is, of course, always quite tough on your body, like three weeks in a row. Sometimes you can get a little bit unlucky with whatever, a stomach bug,” the four-time world champion said.

“But it’s normally around this time of the year that not only drivers, but mechanics and people in the team get sick. Because your body can take a lot of stress. But at one point, of course, it also tells you when it needs a little recovery phase.”

Verstappen added that experience helps, but does not eliminate the problem entirely. “That’s something that you need to stay on top of. And some years it goes a bit better than others. I think you try to learn about it as well a little bit with the more seasons that you do. Sometimes some things are things that you can’t prevent. But for sure, it’s always very tough.”

Beyond the physical strain, the Red Bull driver pointed to the personal cost of back-to-back flyaway races. “For me, the toughest bit is that you can’t really go home in between to be back with the family. That, for me, is nowadays something that I do not really enjoy about triple-headers.”