A wave of illness affects the F1 paddock, resulting in Sainz being sidelined.

A wave of illness affects the F1 paddock, resulting in Sainz being sidelined.

      "I was still feeling very unwell a week ago."

      Carlos Sainz has had to skip his media obligations on Thursday at Interlagos due to illness—the latest instance in what many within the Formula 1 paddock are calling a virus that has been affecting teams in recent weeks. While Williams has not detailed the specifics of Sainz’s illness, reports indicate that he is taking time to rest in hopes of being ready to drive on Friday. The Spaniard's absence adds to an increasing list of drivers and team personnel who are unwell as the demanding 24-race season approaches its end.

      Esteban Ocon shared that he has also been afflicted by the same persistent virus that has been spreading through the paddock. "I was still feeling very unwell a week ago," the Alpine driver informed reporters. "It took me quite a while to bounce back. The race in Mexico was probably one of the toughest I've ever faced. The final 15 laps were excruciating, to say the least, but I still managed to earn points for the team."

      "Numerous people in the paddock have fallen ill, including members of our team," Ocon stated. "Long seasons really pose a challenge for health. I hope my immunity can sustain through the winter and into the following year. Between Austin and Mexico, it felt like a severe cold. I stayed in my room for two or three days and slept constantly. Unfortunately, that’s one of those factors that is beyond our control."

A wave of illness affects the F1 paddock, resulting in Sainz being sidelined.

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"I have some excellent options available." Mick Schumacher has stated that he has not yet made a decision regarding whether his racing career will continue in endurance racing or move to IndyCar, as Alpine seeks clarity on his plans for 2026. During an interview with Speed Week at the World Endurance Championship finale in Bahrain, the 26-year-old confessed: "I still need to determine what I want to do in 2026. I have choices—except for Formula 1. I have some excellent options on the table." Schumacher has spent two seasons with Alpine in the WEC but has recently completed a promising test with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing in IndyCar, which has sparked speculation about a potential move to the US series. "It was a lot of fun," he remarked about the test. "The car felt like an accelerated Formula 2 car with superior tires. The atmosphere was great—the people at RLL are very skilled and approachable. I was impressed by the Americans’ enthusiasm for motorsport." "I’ve always enjoyed single-seaters, so an IndyCar season is a strong possibility. However, I’ve also settled in well at Alpine—these two years have been enjoyable. It would be ideal to have clarity and a contract by the end of the year." Nonetheless, Alpine appears to be growing impatient. Team principal Philippe Sinault was quoted by TZ Munchen: "It’s time for a decision. As you can imagine, we need clarity as soon as possible." Sinault emphasized that the French manufacturer wants to keep Schumacher in its endurance lineup. "He’s truly enjoying his time with us, you can count on that. If he wants to stay, we certainly want to continue with him." Alpine motorsport chief Bruno Famin confirmed that "no decision has been made yet regarding the 2026 driver lineup," as the team balances its WEC program with its Formula 1 obligations. Regarding F1, Schumacher admitted it still resonates with him emotionally. "Of course, Formula 1 is still on my mind," he noted. "And if an opportunity arises, I probably wouldn’t refuse. Formula 1 remains close to my heart." "I have some excellent options available." Mick Schumacher has stated that he has not yet made a decision regarding whether his racing career will continue in endurance racing or move to IndyCar, as Alpine seeks clarity on his plans for 2026. During an interview with Speed Week at the World Endurance Championship finale in Bahrain, the 26-year-old confessed: "I still need to determine what I want to do in 2026. I have choices—except for Formula 1. I have some excellent options on the table." Schumacher has spent two seasons with Alpine in the WEC but has recently completed a promising test with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing in IndyCar, which has sparked speculation about a potential move to the US series. "It was a lot of fun," he remarked about the test. "The car felt like an accelerated Formula 2 car with superior tires. The atmosphere was great—the people at RLL are very skilled and approachable. I was impressed by the Americans’ enthusiasm for motorsport." "I’ve always enjoyed single-seaters, so an IndyCar season is a strong possibility. However, I’ve also settled in well at Alpine—these two years have been enjoyable. It would be ideal to have clarity and a contract by the end of the year." Nonetheless, Alpine appears to be growing impatient. Team principal Philippe Sinault was quoted by TZ Munchen: "It’s time for a decision. As you can imagine, we need clarity as soon as possible." Sinault emphasized that the French manufacturer wants to keep Schumacher in its endurance lineup. "He’s truly enjoying his time with us, you can count on that. If he wants to stay, we certainly want to continue with him." Alpine motorsport chief Bruno Famin confirmed that "no decision has been made yet regarding the 2026 driver lineup," as the team balances its WEC program with its Formula 1 obligations. 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A wave of illness affects the F1 paddock, resulting in Sainz being sidelined.

Formula 1 | Carlos Sainz has had to skip his media responsibilities on Thursday at Interlagos due to illness - the most recent instance in what many within Formula 1 (…)