Max Verstappen misses FIA prize-giving ceremony due to illness
Max Verstappen will be absent from this evening’s FIA prize-giving ceremony in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, after falling ill with influenza, reports BritPanorama.
The Dutch driver, a four-time world champion, has withdrawn from the prestigious event where Lando Norris is set to receive his maiden Formula 1 World Championship trophy. Dutch publication De Telegraaf reported that flu has forced the Red Bull star to miss the occasion.
The gala represents a significant moment for British motorsport, with Norris finally getting his hands on the championship silverware. Unlike many other major sports, Formula 1 does not present its title winner with the trophy at the season’s final race. Norris and his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri, who secured third place in the drivers’ standings, will both be present in Uzbekistan for the ceremony.
Verstappen, meanwhile, finished as runner-up in the 2025 championship, completing the top three. Convention dictates that all three leading drivers in the final standings attend the annual gala. However, the 28-year-old’s illness means only the McLaren pair will represent the championship’s podium finishers on Friday evening.
The British constructor’s dominance is reflected in having both its drivers among the top three, marking a remarkable season for the Woking-based team. Despite his absence from the Uzbek capital, Verstappen remains in contention for recognition at Friday’s awards. The Red Bull driver has been nominated for the Action of the Year prize, meaning he could still emerge as a winner even without attending the ceremony.
Throughout his championship-winning years, Verstappen has maintained a consistent presence at the FIA’s annual celebrations. The Dutchman attended galas held in France, Italy, Azerbaijan, and Rwanda during his reign as title holder. His nomination for the Action of the Year accolade demonstrates that his on-track performances continue to command attention, regardless of where he finished in the final standings.
Verstappen is not the first championship runner-up to skip the FIA’s end-of-season festivities. Lewis Hamilton declined to attend the 2021 gala following his controversial title defeat to the Dutchman, resulting in a fine of approximately £43,800 for the British driver’s non-attendance. Prior to last year’s ceremony in Rwanda, Verstappen himself faced disciplinary action for using inappropriate language during a Singapore Grand Prix press conference.
In the world of Formula 1, where rivalries ignite passions and controversies linger, Verstappen’s absence at a key moment underscores the unpredictable nature of sporting commitments, revealing how health can so easily intervene amidst the excitement of championship celebrations.
