In Jeddah, Verstappen felt 'physically very limited'

In terms of balance sheet, the weekend of Max Verstappen in Jeddah seemed almost perfect. An unfortunate start from fifteenth place, following a mechanical problem, but a comeback right up to the exhausts of Sergio Pérez who won the second meeting of the season. But the Dutchman had already delayed his arrival for a day, feeling unwell: “ I refused to admit it to myself for a while. Because at home I was really sick, just walking made me feel like I was missing a lung » says Verstappen on the eve of the first test sessions in Australia.

The pilot had reassured the planet of Formula 1, still maintaining its participation on the Saudi circuit. But he admits to having dragged his pain all weekend: “Qhen I took the car in Free Practice 1… Even on a fast lap, I needed two recovery laps before I could breathe normally. » A first session that he still finished at the top of the timesheet, trailing his teammate by almost half a second.

And to add: " This really affected me throughout the weekend. And it was very unpleasant, because it was one of the first times I felt physically limited during a race. It was really frustrating. »

Even in poor form, the double champion shone in an RB19 largely dominant over his competitors... And he will have to be counted on in Melbourne: “ I should be in good shape for this weekend. I think it all came together in Jeddah. It's a difficult track in general and when you feel good, it affects you even more. These are things that happen. But I hope that from now until the end of the season everything will go well. »

For the moment, the course is flawless within the Austrian structure. Two races, two doubles, two points for the best lap on the track, and Max Verstappen once again in great shape despite the time difference at Albert Park.

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