Verstappen feeling 'a little unwell' as Hamilton leads the timings.

      "It’s a solid beginning, but it’s still quite early"

      Max Verstappen has disclosed that he was unwell throughout Formula 1’s shakedown week in Barcelona, providing crucial context for his limited laps in Red Bull’s new 2026 car and Red Bull-Ford power unit. The Dutch driver confirmed to De Telegraaf that he is still contending with an illness, describing it as a lingering flu that he hopes to recover from before the season commences. "I feel a bit sick. I hope to be fully fit again at the start of the season," Verstappen stated. "I should be."

      This revelation follows a series of recent health issues. Verstappen missed the FIA prize-giving gala at the end of last year due to illness, a claim that drew some skepticism at the time, and around that same period, he discussed concerning scans linked to back issues stemming from the severe bouncing of the previous generation of cars.

      Despite this, Verstappen expressed cautious optimism regarding Red Bull’s initial real outings with its power unit project. "The fact that we were able to run quite a bit with a new engine this week is generally a positive sign," said the 28-year-old. "It’s a good start, but it’s also early in the year."

      Red Bull engaged in limited dry running, with Verstappen experiencing much of the week in wet conditions. Nonetheless, the reliability of the new Red Bull-Ford setup quietly impressed competitors. "We learned a lot, especially since I couldn't drive much the first morning," Verstappen added. "We will now analyze all the data. Clearly, we still want to improve in several areas, but that’s to be expected."

      The lap times recorded in Barcelona—while unofficial and largely insignificant—provided an initial indication of the competitive landscape. Mercedes, Red Bull, and McLaren appeared to be the fastest, with Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton ultimately clocking the best time of the week. However, Hamilton downplayed any definitive conclusions.

      "Everyone here is incredibly positive and enthusiastic, but we’re not under any illusions—we understand we still need to improve," the Ferrari driver stated. "Things went very well for Mercedes too, and I think Red Bull Racing and Haas also had some solid runs. So we don’t really have a clear picture of the power balance."

      Hamilton further emphasized that significant advancements are still necessary. "Continued development is crucial. We must ensure we leave no stone unturned." Nonetheless, he acknowledged that he is finding pleasure in the new generation of cars. "This generation is actually more enjoyable to drive—it’s exciting and slides a bit, but it’s somewhat easier to manage," he remarked, contrasting it with his experience at the end of 2025.

      Regarding Verstappen’s previous back problems, there is optimism that the 2026 machinery will be more physically forgiving. George Russell succinctly noted, "No porpoising—which is good news for all of us, as it spares us from potential back problems."

      With the Barcelona shakedown now concluded—and Aston Martin even canceling a scheduled filming day on Saturday—focus is now entirely on the official pre-season test in Bahrain.