When Max Verstappen hit the track and won the first race in the fashion that he did, not many thought he will encounter any resistance throughout the season. However, we are about to enter the second race weekend and the reigning champion has already suffered a roadblock. A health concern has delayed his touchdown to Saudi Arabia. A little update from him was enough to send fans into an investigative mood. From Daniel Ricciardo to Lewis Hamilton, anyone could be a saboteur.

Let us weigh the options once on who is to benefit if Max is unable to start the race in Jeddah. Ricciardo is definitely one, given that he is Red Bull’s third driver. But owing to some contractual restrictions, in the event that either Max or Sergio Perez is unable to drive, Liam Lawson would be the one to take the wheel, not the Honey Badger. The second suspect would be Hamilton because of their rivalry from 2021. But would he go as far as sabotaging his rival’s race?

Did Sergio Perez try to sabotage Max Verstappen’s second race for a win?

Max recently gave fans an update, telling them he would reach Jeddah on Friday, the day practice sessions would start. Drivers usually arrive a few days earlier for promotions and interviews. The reason behind this delay, he revealed, was because of a stomach bug that kept him down. However, he is feeling better now and is looking forward to taking part in all the sessions.

This was enough to send fans into a frenzy, plotting wild theories on possible sabotage. Have a look at some reactions to Max’s original post.

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The next suspect was Danny Ric.

Checo, despite all his experience, hasn’t proven much of a threat to Verstappen’s dominance. Moreover, the two teammates recently went through a rough phase after Max refused to let him pass in Brazil last year, defying the team’s orders. So, he is our third suspect.

Charles Leclerc started the season well last year and even amassed a lead of 46 points at one time over Verstappen. However, it did not take too long for the Dutchman to overcome the deficit and turn the season into one of the greatest runs we have ever witnessed. Therefore, the Monegasque is our 4th suspect.

And then there were some fans who came up with some hilarious puns on their favorite driver’s misery. Not cool, guys.

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In one of the previous seasons of Drive to Survive, Toto Wolff famously talked about everyone having a target on their backs. Well, for now, it looks like the defending champion is definitely carrying a few on his back.