NOVEMBER 7, 2025
Carlos Sainz has been forced to miss his Thursday media duties at Interlagos after falling ill – the latest case in what many in the Formula 1 paddock describe as a virus sweeping through teams in recent weeks.
Carlos Sainz, Mexican GP 2025
© Williams
Although Williams did not specify the nature of Sainz’s illness, reports suggest he is resting in hopes of being fit to drive on Friday. The Spaniard’s absence adds to a growing list of unwell drivers and team members as the gruelling 24-race season nears its conclusion.
Esteban Ocon revealed that he too has been struck by the same lingering virus that has been circulating through the paddock.
I was still really unwell a week ago, the Alpine driver told reporters. “It took me quite a while to recover. The race in Mexico was probably one of the hardest of my life. The last 15 laps were torture, to say the least, but I still managed to score points for the team.
Many people in the paddock have fallen ill, including on our team, Ocon explained. “Long seasons are a real challenge for health. I hope my immunity will last the winter and into next year.
Between Austin and Mexico, it was like a bad cold. I didn’t leave my room for two or three days and slept constantly. Unfortunately, that’s one of those factors we can’t control.
(GMM)