Max Verstappen tests “bruised” body in 24-hour sim race

Verstappen, Britain — Photo: © LAT Images

Max Verstappen

Verstappen tests “bruised” body in 24-hour sim race

Red Bull driver is fit to race in Hungary this weekend

Ian Parkes

Tuesday 27 July 2021 18:44

Max Verstappen has revealed to testing out his bruised body in a 24-hour sim race to prove his fitness ahead of this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix.

Verstappen was involved in a 150mph crash that measured a 51g impact during the British Grand Prix following a lap-one collision with Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner claimed in the aftermath that Verstappen felt like he had gone two rounds with Tyson Fury.

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Explaining how he is feeling going into the race at the Hungaroring, Verstappen said: “I’m happy to get back on track in Hungary this weekend, especially after the last race result.

"I’m a little bruised, of course, but that’s normal after such a big impact but I’m training and feeling good.

"I did a 24-hour sim race this week and it was a good test to see how my body would react to spending time sat in one position and behind screens for a long time.

"I felt absolutely fine which makes me feel positive heading into the weekend. I’m definitely ready to go again."

Verstappen 'feels a certain way' about Hamilton incident

Verstappen has refused to be drawn into the war of words that followed the incident that has culminated in Red Bull lodging a petition to review with the FIA.

The Hungarian GP stewards will now listen to Hamilton and Verstappen, as well as team representatives, in a video conference on Thursday to determine if there are grounds for further punishment beyond the 10-second time penalty that was handed to the Briton during the race.

Retaining a dignified stance, Verstappen added: "I don’t have much to say on all the media hype and to be honest I am not interested in getting involved in any of that.

"I know what happened at Silverstone as I was in the car and obviously I feel a certain way about how my race ended.

"But now I’m just focusing on making sure we are the best we can be on track so we can stay ahead in the championship.

"The team can take care of the official side of things, and anything that needs looking into after the crash, but my job is the same as always - to be the best I can and try to win on Sunday."