Verstappen's witty take on F1 driver potential of ex-footballer and rapper

Max Verstappen offered a humorous and diplomatic answer when asked to choose between former Manchester City defender Micah Richards and British rapper Big Zuu as a potential Formula 1 driver. Appearing on the sports-comedy panel show A League of Their Own, the Red Bull driver avoided picking a winner and instead joked about the physics of driving a lighter passenger.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's appearance on a mainstream entertainment show highlights his growing profile beyond the racetrack. His ability to engage with celebrities from other sports and entertainment fields in a witty, off-the-cuff manner showcases a different, more relaxed side of the four-time world champion to a broader audience.

The details:

• The question was posed directly to Verstappen by Micah Richards himself during the taping of the Sky Max programme.
• Rather than giving a direct answer, Verstappen first promised to drive both men around a race track.
• He then delivered his punchline, quipping, "In F1 also, you know, when you're normally a bit lighter, we might have some good grip in the corners."
• The show is hosted by comedian Romesh Ranganathan and regularly features sports personalities like Richards and former footballer Jamie Redknapp.

The big picture:

This light-hearted moment is a snapshot of the off-season, where drivers often participate in media and entertainment engagements. It follows recent news where Verstappen explained his decision to switch his permanent race number from 33 to 3 for the coming season, as he is no longer the reigning champion entitled to use number 1. These appearances help maintain fan engagement and driver visibility during the winter break, blending the high-performance world of F1 with mainstream entertainment.