Formula 1 drivers need to be in the best mental and physical shape. With Mercedes not allowing Lewis Hamilton a moment of peace, his physical health looked seemingly better than his mental health. But recent revelations showed how his fitness levels have been deteriorating. In the wake of that revelation, his arch-rival Max Verstappen has comically suggested some weight management techniques.

Though Fernando Alonso has shown how age is not necessarily a factor in deciding race fitness, Hamilton seems to be proving the conventional idea. Which is – the older you are, the less well you perform. On ‘The Race’ podcast, the host shined a light on the Briton’s regressing cardiovascular fitness: “You do occasionally get examples of him (Hamilton) coming on the radio during a race sounding out of breath.”

No sooner has Hamilton’s worsening physical condition come to light than Verstappen has given a hilarious take on the subject of health. In an interview with The Athletic, the Dutchman spoke about how he avoids cravings by staying miles away from the sources of unhealthy food. “It’s dangerous that I go [to supermarket] because I just load everything in it, and it’s not good for my weight,” said the 2-time world champion. “So I have to be a little bit careful.”

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Ah! Good old unintended banter. Doesn’t even matter in what context these two guys get involved as long as they keep doing it. It makes for some good news. While Verstappen has the tricks of the trade in maintaining physical health, his personal mental issues are also something he speaks about.

Max Verstappen goes against his father to speak about mental pressure

As the Formula 1 calendar keeps lengthening to provide more racing action for fans, it comes at a cost for drivers and teams. They have to work more days and longer hours. Max Verstappen has, in numerous instances, said how 24 races a year is a bit too much and puts added pressure on him. This time, he has again hinted at an early retirement, going against his father, Jos’ wishes.

There is now always a lot of pressure on you during such a race weekend and that year after year,” the Red Bull driver told formule1.nl. “Maybe it is nice to relax and tackle the things you like at a certain point. A lot of people say I’m going to miss this life and the pressure it brings later. My father says so too. But personally, I don’t think so.”

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Will the Dutchman’s mental health support him as long as the battery of his physical race-fitness keeps going?