F1 issue health update on max Verstappen following …read more
Max Verstappen’s weekend at the Austrian Grand Prix ended in disaster—both on and off the track. The Red Bull Racing star was forced to retire from the race after a dramatic first-lap incident, and it has now emerged that Verstappen fell ill in the hours following the crash, raising concerns over his fitness ahead of the next race.
The Dutch driver’s race came to an abrupt end at Turn 3 after a collision with Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli. As the pack surged into the tight uphill right-hander, Antonelli locked up under braking and slammed into the side of Verstappen’s RB20. The contact damaged Verstappen’s car beyond repair, forcing him to retire on the spot—his first DNF of the 2025 season and the end of a long-standing points-scoring streak.
Initially, Verstappen appeared physically unscathed, though visibly frustrated. He described the incident over team radio as being “hit like crazy,” but stopped short of blaming Antonelli, later calling it a “racing accident.” However, things took a worrying turn behind the scenes.
According to sources close to the team, Verstappen began feeling unwell shortly after returning to the paddock. He complained of dizziness, nausea, and fatigue—symptoms that raised concern among the Red Bull medical team. He was promptly assessed at the circuit’s medical center, where doctors monitored him for signs of concussion or impact-related illness.
Though no serious injuries have been confirmed, Verstappen’s post-race condition has led to caution within the Red Bull camp. Team doctors are continuing to observe him closely, and further medical evaluations are expected before any decision is made regarding his participation in the upcoming British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
Team principal Christian Horner addressed the incident briefly, saying, “It was a heavy impact, and Max wasn’t feeling 100% afterwards. We’re monitoring him and prioritizing his recovery. The health and well-being of our drivers always comes first.”
Verstappen’s retirement in Austria not only cost him valuable championship points but also allowed rivals McLaren to take full advantage. With Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri finishing first and second, McLaren has now closed the gap in both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships, adding extra pressure on Red Bull in the second half of the season.
The timing couldn’t be worse for Verstappen or his team. After a dominant run in 2023 and early 2024, Red Bull has faced growing competition from McLaren, Ferrari, and even Aston Martin. Mechanical inconsistencies and tyre degradation issues have already hampered the team’s momentum, and Verstappen’s potential absence in Silverstone would only deepen their challenges.
For now, Verstappen’s fans can only wait for updates. While the team remains optimistic about a full recovery, it’s clear that the Austrian Grand Prix has taken more than just a points toll on their star driver. With Silverstone just days away, all eyes are on whether Verstappen will be ready to return—and whether Red Bull can bounce back from a bruising weekend, both literally and figuratively
