When Max Verstappen isn’t focused on F1 or sim racing, he spends his time following soccer, as many other drivers do. The Dutch driver is a fan of PSV Eindhoven in The Netherlands and also supports FC Barcelona, one of the most successful teams in the world.
Ahead of Barcelona’s 27th league title win, their star left-back Alejandro Balde was asked who his favorite driver was. The 19-year-old sensation replied by saying that it was none other than seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton’s rival in F1, Verstappen, wouldn’t be too happy about this.
Despite Verstappen being a huge fan of Barcelona, one of their best players this season, Balde, chooses Hamilton over him. This was reported by Barca Universal on Twitter. This isn’t a surprise, since Hamilton has a huge and loyal fanbase all over the world. He has inspired an entire generation of athletes across all sports.
Verstappen, however, has supported Barcelona for a long time and has even swapped jerseys while meeting some of the club’s biggest legends over the years.
When Max Verstappen met FC Barcelona legend ahead of Spanish GP
Ahead of the Spanish GP at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona last season, Verstappen met one of the heroes of his favorite soccer team. Sergi Roberto, who has more than 350 appearances for FC Barcelona’s first team, was in attendance at the circuit.
There, he met the defending Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen and swapped jerseys with him. Roberto gave a Barcelona jersey to the Red Bull driver. It had his surname on the back with the number 1- which is what he uses on his car.
FC Barcelona’s comeback year in the Spanish La Liga
FC Barcelona have been in a downward slump over the last few years. Ever since their talisman Lionel Messi left them in 2021 for Paris Saint German, the team has struggled to cope with the 35-time Spanish champions Real Madrid.
The Catalans struggled domestically in the league, while also suffering embarassing defeats to various clubs in the European competitions. However, club legend Xavi seems to have steered the ship steady for the time being. After a 4-2 win over rivals Espanyol last week, Barcelona were crowned as Champions of Spain.
Verstappen, who will surely be following his favorite team’s success off the track, is also gearing up for yet another title charge. The 25-year-old is currently P5 in the driver’s standings after five rounds, 14 points ahead of his teammate Sergio Perez.
