Sports · Motorsport · 6 hrs ago
Jos Verstappen denies claims that he is seriously ill
Former Formula One driver Jos Verstappen said he is not seriously ill after a picture of him drew attention online.
The concern began after viewers saw him in a Viaplay broadcast from a kart track and commented that he looked different.
An AI-altered image based on a still from the broadcast spread on social media, and at least one website presented it as real.
Verstappen posted on Instagram that he was well and joked that he was having a bad hair day.
His message reassured fans who had wondered whether he was unwell.
It is not known whether he will take legal action over the fake image or its distribution.
Jos Verstappen said he is not seriously ill after an image of him prompted concern among fans.
He said on Instagram that he was well and had only had a bad hair day.
The concern followed a Viaplay interview in which he looked different from usual.
A manipulated still from the segment was widely shared on social media, and at least one website presented it as genuine.
It is not known whether Verstappen is considering legal action over the image or its distribution.
- Who
- Jos Verstappen, a former Formula 1 driver.
- What
- He denied being seriously ill and said he was well.
- When
- Monday, October 26, 2026.
- Where
- He responded on Instagram after concern spread on social media.
- Why
- His appearance in a Viaplay interview prompted concern, and a manipulated image was shared as if genuine.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Verstappen appeared in an interview during a Viaplay broadcast.
Viewers expressed concern about his appearance on X.
Verstappen responded on Instagram that he was well and not sick.
- Age
- 54
- Broadcast
- Viaplay interview on Sunday
- Response
- Claim
- Verstappen said he was not sick and had a bad hair day
- Image
- A manipulated still was widely shared on social media
3 sources
What people are saying
Everything is going well with me. I'm not sick, just having a bad hair day.