Illness Sidelines Four-Time Champion Verstappen from Prestigious FIA Awards Ceremony in Tashkent

Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen, the formidable four-time Formula 1 World Champion and 2025 season runner-up, will be notably absent from Friday night’s FIA Prize Giving Gala in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, having been struck by what his team described as seasonal flu. The Dutchman’s absence deprives the motorsport community of seeing one of its most prominent figures at the annual end-of-season celebration, where he was expected to stand alongside newly crowned F1 World Champion Lando Norris and third-place finisher Oscar Piastri, both from McLaren.

Verstappen, 28, had been slated to attend the prestigious event in the Uzbek capital as part of the traditional recognition for the top three drivers in the Formula 1 World Championship. However, according to reports from the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, a publication known for its close ties to the Verstappen family, the Red Bull driver formally called in sick. The decision was made following a recent visit to the Red Bull factory in Milton Keynes, with travel to the Central Asian nation deemed inadvisable given his condition.

The 2025 Formula 1 season marked a significant shift in the competitive landscape, concluding Verstappen’s remarkable streak of four consecutive world titles (2021-2024). After a period of unprecedented dominance, the Dutchman faced an exceptionally strong challenge from McLaren, with Lando Norris ultimately clinching his maiden championship. Verstappen’s season, while still featuring numerous victories and standout performances, was characterized by an intense battle that saw Red Bull’s early-season advantage erode. The championship fight went down to the wire, with Norris narrowly securing the title in a thrilling conclusion, underscoring the "massive rollercoaster" Verstappen himself described his 2025 campaign to be.

"Of course, the first half had some nice moments, but mainly tough moments – some really tough races and feelings," Verstappen reflected after the Abu Dhabi season finale, where his hopes for a fifth straight title were mathematically extinguished. "But I’m also very proud of how we never gave up. And, again, that’s also a lesson for the future, for everyone, that even when it looks like you’re out of it, you never give up. You keep working hard to try and understand your issues, and then you never know what can happen." His comments highlighted the resilience required to maintain a championship challenge against an ascendant rival. He extended his congratulations to Norris, stating, "Winning your first title is something that we all dreamt of when you get into the sport. This is very emotional, and I hope for Lando as well. They had an incredible season together, so it’s important that they enjoy it."

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Beyond his championship runner-up status, Verstappen was also nominated for a coveted FIA Action of the Year award. His nominated manoeuvre stemmed from the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, where he executed a breathtaking pass on polesitter Oscar Piastri at the start of the Imola race. As the lights went out, Verstappen, starting from second, boldly swooped around the outside of Piastri into the treacherous Tamburello chicane, snatching the lead in a move that required pinpoint precision and immense bravery. This pivotal overtake set the stage for him to ultimately win the race, showcasing the aggressive yet controlled driving style that has defined his career. The Action of the Year award celebrates the most spectacular and daring moment across all FIA championships, making Verstappen’s nomination a testament to his continued ability to deliver thrilling on-track spectacle.

Verstappen’s history with the FIA gala includes a notable incident from the previous year’s event in Kigali, Rwanda. Following a fiery press conference at the Singapore Grand Prix where he used expletives, the FIA ordered him to conduct community service as a form of punishment. This involved helping the FIA launch its Affordable Cross Car initiative, aimed at making motorsport more accessible, and participating in a grassroots programme with young drivers and engineers. This unique penalty underscored the FIA’s commitment to upholding sportsmanship and using disciplinary measures to promote positive engagement within the motorsport community. His absence this year, however, is purely health-related, preventing him from participating in the formal proceedings of the evening.

The FIA Prize Giving Gala is the culmination of the international motorsport season, recognizing champions across dozens of disciplines, from Formula 1 to rallying, endurance racing, and karting. The choice of Tashkent as host city for the 2025 gala reflects the FIA’s ongoing efforts to globalize motorsport and expand its reach into emerging markets. It offers an opportunity to showcase the sport to new audiences and to celebrate the achievements of athletes from various regions. The presence of the sport’s biggest stars, such as Verstappen, Norris, and Piastri, typically draws significant international media attention, making Verstappen’s absence a noticeable void.

Adding to the day’s significant developments, Mohammed Ben Sulayem was earlier on Friday re-elected unopposed for his second four-year term as FIA President. Ben Sulayem’s re-election was a formality after none of his potential rivals were able to assemble an eligible election team. FIA regulations stipulate that presidential candidates must include World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) members from every region on their ticket. The unique situation arose where Fabiana Ecclestone, a known supporter of Ben Sulayem, was the sole individual eligible for the WMSC from South America. This effectively blocked challengers Tim Mayer and Laura Villars from forming a valid list of candidates, as they could not secure the necessary regional representation.

The electoral process, however, has not been without controversy. Laura Villars has initiated legal proceedings against the governing body, challenging the legitimacy of the election. A French court last week ruled that while the FIA presidential elections could proceed as planned, the underlying legal case warrants a comprehensive court hearing scheduled for February. This ongoing legal challenge casts a shadow over the procedural integrity of the FIA’s highest office, even as its incumbent president secures another term.

The 2025 F1 season also saw significant internal dynamics within Red Bull Racing. While the article’s context does not explicitly detail them, reports throughout the year suggested a shifting power balance within the team, including discussions around the future role of long-time advisor Helmut Marko, whose eventual departure was later confirmed. These internal adjustments, coupled with the formidable challenge posed by McLaren, contributed to what was undeniably a demanding yet ultimately rewarding season for Red Bull, even if it did not yield another drivers’ championship. The team’s focus will now shift to the 2026 season, with new technical regulations on the horizon and the aspiration to reclaim their position at the pinnacle of Formula 1. Verstappen’s early recovery and return to full health will be paramount as preparations for the next campaign intensify.

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Jonas Leo: Jonas Leo is a passionate motorsport journalist and lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast. With a sharp eye for race strategy and driver performance, he brings readers closer to the world of Grand Prix racing through in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive paddock insights. Jonas has covered everything from preseason testing to dramatic title deciders, capturing the emotion and precision that define modern F1. When he’s not tracking lap times or pit stop tactics, he enjoys exploring classic racing archives and writing about the evolution of F1 technology.