Verstappen says time away from family is hardest part of F1 triple-headers

Max Verstappen says the part of Formula 1’s triple-headers he finds hardest is being unable to return home to his family between races. Speaking in Mexico ahead of the Grand Prix, he also described three weeks of racing in a row as physically demanding.

Verstappen said drivers, mechanics and other team members can become ill around this point in the season as the body takes on stress. Recovery needs attention, he said, though some things cannot be prevented.

Kimi Antonelli and Valtteri Bottas had both missed Thursday’s media day in Mexico through illness. Antonelli was recovering from a viral illness, and Mercedes expected him to return for Friday practice. Bottas also missed the media day; Cadillac described his absence as a precaution.

Mexico is the middle leg of the current triple-header, after the United States Grand Prix and before the Brazilian Grand Prix next week. The final nine race weekends of 2026 are arranged in three triple-headers, with one-week breaks between them.