Verstappen to miss FIA Gala for first time in years due to illness

Max Verstappen will not attend the 2025 FIA Prize Giving Gala in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, marking his first absence from the ceremony in years. The reigning world champion is reportedly missing the event due to illness, according to Dutch media. His absence comes after a season where he was dethroned by Lando Norris, finishing just two points behind the McLaren driver in the final standings.

Why it matters:

The FIA Gala is the formal culmination of the Formula 1 season, where the world champion is traditionally celebrated. Verstappen's absence is a notable break from protocol and highlights the physical toll of the intense 24-race season. It also means the event will proceed without its most dominant figure of the past four years, shifting the spotlight solely onto the new champion, Lando Norris.

The details:

• Verstappen's absence was reported by De Telegraaf, citing illness as the reason.
• The Dutch driver has attended the gala consistently in recent years to receive the World Drivers' Championship trophy, a ritual he performed from 2021 through 2024.
• His non-attendance follows a dramatic season finale in Abu Dhabi, where despite winning the race, he lost the title by two points to Norris, who secured the necessary third-place finish.
• The 2025 gala in Tashkent will be the first since 2020 where the reigning champion is not present to collect his trophy.

Between the lines:

While illness is cited, Verstappen's absence may also reflect a desire for a clean break from a season that ended in personal disappointment, despite a strong late charge. Missing the formal ceremony where his rival is crowned could be seen as a practical decision to avoid an awkward spotlight during recovery. It underscores the intense personal investment and the difficulty of transitioning immediately from a fierce title fight to a celebratory event for the victor.

What's next:

The FIA Gala will proceed with Lando Norris as the star attendee, officially receiving his first world championship trophy. All eyes will now turn to the winter break and the 2026 season, where Verstappen will undoubtedly begin his campaign to reclaim the crown, setting the stage for a highly anticipated rematch.