Reuters
Formula One F1 – United States Grand Prix – Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas, U.S. – October 24, 2021 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen celebrates on the podium after winning the race with third place Red Bull’s Sergio Perez REUTERS/Brian Snyder
Reuters
Formula One F1 – United States Grand Prix – Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas, U.S. – October 24, 2021 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen celebrates on the podium after winning the race with third place Red Bull’s Sergio Perez REUTERS/Brian Snyder
It was certainly a full-on Red Bull show at the United States Grand Prix last weekend, with Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez clinching the team’s first double podium since Austria. However, both the drivers had their own problems to face throughout the weekend.
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Of course, the well-known struggle was Perez having to complete his 56 laps under the scorching sun at COTA without sipping a drop of water. But, that was merely the tip of the iceberg.
Both the Red Bull drivers were apparently struggling with gastric infection in Austin and had to fight the illness to compete in what was undeniably the most crucial weekend of the season for the championship leader.
According to reports, Michael Schmidt of Auto Motor Und Sport mentioned the same in the latest Formel Schmidt episode. Of course, we are in the middle of a scenario where even a mild illness could point the finger towards COVID-19.
#AMuS Michael Schmidt and @andihaupt1 also briefly mentioned this in the recent Formel Schmidt episode: Max Verstappen had some stomach problems (similar to Checo) during the #USGP weekend. https://t.co/gCi6ACvCio
— tami. (@Vetteleclerc) October 26, 2021
Well, as of now, there is hardly anything to worry about, as both Verstappen and Perez continued to test negative throughout the weekend.
Week break saves Red Bull duo Max Verstappen & Sergio Perez
A back-to-back race weekend was the last thing Verstappen and Perez would have wanted amidst their health struggles. And luckily for them, F1 has headed into a temporary 1-week break before moving on to the Mexican Grand Prix.
Hence, with more than a week’s time in hand, the Red Bull duo can focus on recovering from the strange illness and return stronger to the weekend in Mexico City. For Verstappen, it’s a must.
Mexico could well be the moment for Verstappen amidst his ongoing title fight with Hamilton.
Reuters
Formula One F1 – United States Grand Prix – Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas, U.S. – October 23, 2021 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez celebrate after Verstappen qualified for pole position. REUTERS/Mike Blake
As of now, 12 points separate the duo, and Verstappen has a huge chance of increasing the numbers to 19 by the end of the Mexican GP. Hence, with almost a race win ahead of Hamilton, pressure will mount on the Briton. Yes, Hamilton does carry enough experience to cope with such pressures.
But, unlike his former rivals, Verstappen just isn’t letting up. He is persistently attacking the 7-time world champion, and Hamilton cannot catch a break even for a moment. So, with just over a week to go, how will things change in terms of the championship fight?
Watch Story: Max Verstappen Beats Lewis Hamilton But Shaquille O’Neal Takes Center Stage: Best Moments from US GP
