Max Verstappen team-mate issues update after falling ill in Paul Ricard GT race
Max Verstappen's team-mate has provided a health update after falling ill.
Jules Gounon, one of Max Verstappen’s sportscar team-mates, has provided an update on his health after being taken ill following the opening round of the GT World Challenge.
Despite being struck down with a bout of food poisoning, Gounon managed to complete two stints alongside team-mates Dani Juncadella and Chris Lulham in the Verstappen Racing entry as the trio took ninth place in the Paul Ricard 6 Hours.
After climbing out of the Mercedes GT3 car, Gounon passed out and had to be taken to the circuit’s medical centre where he was treated for several hours until his condition stabilised.
Taking to Instagram, Gounon shared an update on his health following the scare.
“Last night I got food poisoning, lost a lot of fluids and barely slept,” Gounon wrote on social media.
“Big thanks to Dani (as always there for me in the tough moments) for getting me to the medical center at 7am, and to all the doctors and paramedics who made me fit to race.
“I rested as much as I could before the race and I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I still gave everything in the double stint, probably one of the hardest I’ve ever done. I’ve never struggled that much in a race car and pushed myself to a point I didn’t think I could reach.
“After the stint, I completely passed out and ended up gaining back another trip at the medical centre for a few hours.
“Massive thanks to the medical team for taking such good care of me, and to the 2 Seas Motorsport crews who stayed with me there.
“Not the result we wanted, but a day that reminded me what resilience really means and what you’re made of.”
Gounon will team up with Verstappen, Juncadella and Lucas Auer to take on the legendary Nurburgring 24 Hours next month.
It will mark four-time F1 world champion Verstappen’s debut in the event, having already taken part in several GT outings at the iconic German circuit to prepare for the enduro epic.
This year’s Nordschleife 24 Hours takes place on 14-17 May, smack bang in between the Miami and Canadian grands prix.
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