Verstappen Withdraws from FIA Trophy Gala Due to Illness

Red Bull Racing has confirmed that Max Verstappen will miss the FIA’s end-of-season trophy presentation due to illness. The event is set to take place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on December 8, 2023, where Verstappen was expected to attend as the runner-up in the Formula 1 World Championship.

Verstappen’s absence comes after teammate Lando Norris edged him out at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, completing the season just two points ahead. This event marked the end of Verstappen’s impressive four-year championship streak. Under FIA sporting guidelines, the top three finishers in the drivers’ championship are required to attend the trophy gala, making his absence particularly notable.

A spokesperson for Red Bull stated, “He is unwell and will not be able to attend,” as reported by ESPN. Verstappen’s absence raises questions about potential repercussions, as he was previously fined €50,000 for missing the trophy presentation in 2021 after finishing second to Verstappen in a highly contentious race.

Norris will be present at the gala, along with his teammate and McLaren CEO Zak Brown and team principal Andrea Stella. McLaren is set to receive the constructors’ championship trophy, a significant achievement for the team this season.

The FIA’s regulations stipulate that trophies cannot be awarded until the prize-giving gala, where champions from various FIA competitions come together. The absence of a top contender like Verstappen not only affects the atmosphere of the event but also highlights the competitive nature of the Formula 1 season.

As the season concludes, the focus now shifts to the celebration of achievements and the anticipation of the next championship. The FIA has yet to confirm whether Verstappen will face any penalties for his absence from the gala.