Lando Norris has revealed the precautions he takes to avoid falling ill during the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend, after several Formula 1 drivers were affected by a gastrointestinal virus. Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Sergio Perez were among those forced to miss scheduled activities, prompting renewed attention to how drivers protect their health during the demanding Formula 1 calendar.
During the opening days of the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix, several drivers were confined to bed after contracting a gastrointestinal illness. Andrea Kimi Antonelli was the first to withdraw from Thursday’s media day, an unwelcome setback ahead of a particularly important weekend in which the Mercedes driver could secure his first Formula 1 world championship.
Kimi Antonelli and Sergio Perez affected by illness at Mexico GP
Andrea Kimi Antonelli had been expected to attract considerable media attention in Mexico, given the possibility of making Formula 1 history by winning the championship. However, the Italian’s illness prevented him from fulfilling his scheduled media commitments as he concentrated on recovering ahead of the on-track sessions.
The second announcement concerned local favourite Sergio Perez, who was also forced to miss an event during his home Grand Prix weekend. The Cadillac driver withdrew from the fan forum to allow himself time to recover and be ready to participate in free practice.
The absences came during a weekend when both drivers had important reasons to be in the spotlight. Andrea Kimi Antonelli arrived in Mexico following his ninth Formula 1 victory at the United States Grand Prix, while Sergio Perez was preparing to compete in front of his home supporters.
Lando Norris reveals his precautions against illness during F1 weekends
Constant travel, unfamiliar local customs and accumulated fatigue can place demands on the immune systems of even highly trained athletes. Over the years, Lando Norris has therefore developed a number of personal precautions intended to minimise his risk of becoming ill while travelling between Formula 1 races.
The McLaren driver explained that he tries to keep his diet simple and is particularly careful about the water he uses. Having previously experienced illness in both Mexico and Brazil, the Briton is determined to avoid repeating those unpleasant experiences.
“I avoid all the strange foods, I eat pasta and chicken sometimes. I don’t drink tap water, I brush my teeth with bottled water. I’ve been ill here in the past, and in Brazil as well. Those aren’t experiences I want to repeat,” Lando Norris told the media.
His approach reflects the caution he has developed through previous Grand Prix visits. Rather than experimenting with unfamiliar meals or drinking tap water, Lando Norris prefers a routine he knows, including using bottled water even when brushing his teeth.
With the Mexico City Grand Prix practice, qualifying and race sessions taking place across the weekend, avoiding illness remains a practical concern for drivers seeking to maintain their preparation and performance.
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