Felt like I was missing a lung – Max Verstappen still not fully fit after virus

The Dutchman holds a slender one-point championship lead over his Red Bull team-mate ahead of the third race in Melbourne

Max Verstappen speaking ahead of the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne (Asanka Brendon Ratnayake/AP)

Max Verstappen said he felt like he was racing with one lung in Saudi Arabia and is still not match-fit for this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix.

Verstappen delayed his arrival at the last round in Jeddah a fortnight ago by 24 hours as he battled a virus. He finished second behind Sergio Perez.