Max Verstappen has explained how doctors' advice forbade him from travelling to the FIA prize-giving ceremony in Tashkent.
The four-time F1 champion was absent from the event to officially crown Lando Norris as the 2025 champion, held in Uzbekistan.
This was due to illness, with the Dutchman also pulling out of an esports finale competition for sim racing in Madrid.
However, he wasn't totally absent from proceedings in the Uzbeki capital, as he sent a brief video explaining the doctor's instructions, and he also congratulated president Mohammed Ben Sulayem on being re-elected.
"I'm very sorry that I cannot be with you," Verstappen explained in a special video.
"The doctors have prevented me from flying, so I just wanted to say a big congratulations, first of all our president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, for being re-elected. I'm sure there will be many very exciting times ahead.
"Besides that, I wanted to say a big congrats to all the winners. I know everyone is always working very hard for their success, so be very proud.
"In my own championship, a big congratulations to McLaren and especially Lando, you guys had an unbelievable season, and it was really cool to race against you guys until the end, so definitely enjoy it."
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