Max Verstappen’s achievements in Formula 1 span more than just the sport itself and his victory during the opening race of the season in Bahrain caught the attention of Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk.
The 26-year-old strolled to victory in Sakhir and started the 2024 season in the perfect way on Saturday evening.
He took to social media to celebrate his win and his Dutch compatriot was suitably impressed.
Van Dijk sends Verstappen message after Bahrain win
There was plenty of interest this weekend to see whether Red Bull were going to be as dominant in 2024 as they were in 2023.
Max Verstappen came out on top in 19 of the 22 races last year and has started this season in a similar fashion.
He took pole position on Friday evening although Charles Leclerc will be disappointed he delivered his best time in Q2 rather than Q3 otherwise he would have started in first.
Verstappen then took a defensive line into the first corner during Saturday’s race and watched in his mirrors as the rest of the grid squabbled for position while he extended his lead at the front.
After winning in Bahrain, Virgil van Dijk was quick to praise Max Verstappen after he secured the 55 F1 win of his career.
The question on everybody’s lips already is can he achieve a perfect season and go on to win the next 23 Grand Prix?
Verstappen could be competing against himself in 2024
Posting on Instagram after the race, Verstappen said: “Yes boys!!! Couldn’t have asked for more.
“Unbelievable start to the year, a 1-2 finish is absolutely fantastic. Great work @redbullracing, let’s keep pushing.”
Van Dijk was delighted with Verstappen’s win in Bahrain and saluted his dominant display in Sakhir.
Verstappen’s consistency was praised during the race and he was described as ‘lightning fast’ during qualifying.
The Red Bull looks very different to last season but they’re still just as dominant.
Saturday’s race in Jeddah could be very different to the Grand Prix in Bahrain with tyre degradation likely to be a major factor.
If the 26-year-old still has an equally large lead over the rest of the field there then this season may already be over.
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