Dutch legend Johan Cruyff once regarded Max Verstappen as a top talent as he entered the world of F1 even before he was an adult. Calling the young driver an exceptional talent and extremely intelligent, Cruyff was full of appreciation for the F1 driver.
Cruyff, the legendary man from the Netherlands, is known all around the world for his soccer philosophy. Known for his Total Football [Soccer] philosophy, the former Barcelona icon was, undoubtedly, one of the most influential figures in modern football.
As the legend himself met Verstappen, he bestowed his wishes for the young compatriot. As for the Dutch driver, he is believed to have taken the baton from him to shine on the world stage.
Cruyff saw greatness in Max Verstappen
Before the 25-year-old made his Red Bull debut, many people were not aware of the Dutch champion and believed he was too young to be in F1. But Cruyff was different.
The former Dutch national soccer player knew the man Verstappen might become in the future when he met him in 2016. Cruyff, regarded as the Dutch national hero, was there in Barcelona, where he met with the two-time world champion in March, during testing.
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Speaking on the Dutch driver, the Ajax legend said as per Verstappen.com on Instagram, “The boy is not only extremely intelligent and talented, but Max also remains himself.”
Admittedly, the defending champion is known for his no-nonsense attitude. He is often seen speaking his mind and doesn’t think about the repercussions.
Verstappen rues Cruyff’s death
Just a few days after the duo met, Johan Cruyff met with an untimely death as he passed away at the age of 68, and this is what Max Verstappen rues to a great extent, as the Dutch legend could not see him win the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix.
Reports said that meeting with Verstappen at the Circuit de Catalunya on the second day of winter testing was the last time Cryuff made a public appearance before his death.
“At 18 years and 227 days old, MAX VERSTAPPEN WINS A FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX, wins the Spanish Grand Prix, and is the youngest driver EVER to win a Formula One World Championship Grand Prix!”
A historic first win that will never be beaten https://t.co/uEXQFQiM1A pic.twitter.com/HaCDtTStlM
— Matt³³⁺¹⁶ | 🇪🇸BARCELONA🇪🇸 (@FM1_3316) April 9, 2023
Speaking on this, the Red Bull star said, “My first GP victory in 2016 was emotional and special because I met Johan Cruyff a couple of weeks before in Barcelona.”
“I read his book and Johan said that he was fascinated by numbers. My victory was in 1 hour, 41 minutes, and 40 seconds, so twice 14. That makes it even more special,” concluded Max Verstappen.
