Max Verstappen Reveals His Champions League Favorite

Max Verstappen, the four-time F1 world champion, has shared his preferences for the UEFA Champions League, revealing his international football allegiances and a personal connection to a Dutch superstar. While a loyal PSV fan, Verstappen is realistic about their European chances and instead champions a different club, with a strong secondary pick tied to a personal friendship.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's personal interests offer a rare glimpse into the life of one of F1's most dominant figures beyond the racetrack. It highlights his connection to other elite sports and athletes, humanizing a driver often seen as solely focused on racing perfection. His comments also underscore the cross-sport friendships that exist among top-tier athletes, even in vastly different disciplines.

The Details:

• Club Allegiance: Verstappen's favorite international football team is Barcelona. Domestically, he supports PSV, but acknowledges they are unlikely to win the Champions League.
• Personal Connection: His second choice for the Champions League winner is Liverpool, largely due to his friendship with Dutch defender Virgil Van Dijk. Verstappen mentioned frequently texting Van Dijk about both F1 and football.
• Van Dijk's Success: Virgil Van Dijk previously won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2019, defeating Tottenham 2-0.
• Football Enthusiasm: Verstappen has often shared his passion for football and PSV on social media and also enjoys playing EA FC (formerly FIFA).
• F1 Team Standings: In F1, Verstappen's superior performance relative to his teammate has been crucial for Red Bull. His team is currently fourth in the Constructors' Championship, 35 points behind second-placed Mercedes with six rounds remaining.

Between the lines:

Verstappen's candidness about his football preferences and his friendship with Van Dijk showcases a side of him that isn't often visible in the high-pressure environment of F1. It's a reminder that even global sports icons have everyday interests and personal connections that extend beyond their professional lives. This cross-sport camaraderie can also be inspiring, showing how excellence is recognized and appreciated across different fields.

What's next:

While Verstappen's focus will primarily remain on securing his fifth F1 title and closing the gap in the Constructors' Championship with Red Bull, his football loyalties will likely be put to the test as the Champions League progresses. Fans will undoubtedly keep an eye on how his favored teams perform. Meanwhile, in F1, the battle for the Constructors' Championship between Red Bull and Mercedes is set to intensify over the final six rounds, with Verstappen's individual brilliance being a key factor for his team's success.