Van Dijk, Lewandowski & Spurs lead Verstappen tributes
Virgil van Dijk and Robert Lewandowski have led the chorus of plaudits for new Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen.
Verstappen beat Lewis Hamilton to the 2021 F1 title after the most dramatic ending in the history of the sport on Sunday.
The Dutch driver controversially overtook Hamilton on the final lap of the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi to win the championship for the first time in his career.
And a number of football figures and football clubs have moved to congratulate the Red Bull Racing driver on his triumph.
Verstappen’s Dutch countryman Virgil van Dijk was one of the first to wish the F1 champion well.
"WHAT A BOSS! @Max33Verstappen," the Liverpool centre back tweeted
WHAT A BOSS! @Max33Verstappen
— Virgil van Dijk (@VirgilvDijk) December 12, 2021
Van Dijk was not the only Dutch football hero to congratulate Verstappen.
Former Arsenal and Manchester United forward Robin van Persie tweeted: “Wow. What an incredible ending of a Formula 1 season to remember forever! Two fantastic teams going all in for the win but there can only be one winner. A true champion replaced by another true champion. Congrats to @Max33Verstappen. You made us proud.”
Wow 😱🤯
What an incredible ending of a Formule 1 season to remember forever! Two fantastic teams going all in for the win but there can only be one winner. A true champion replaced by another true champion. Congrats to @Max33Verstappen. You made us proud 🟠🦁 pic.twitter.com/5rMOiAh30F— Robin van Persie (@Persie_Official) December 12, 2021
Bayern Munich goal machine Robert Lewandowski is clearly a Formula 1 fan and he also took to social media to send some kind words to Verstappen, as well as Lewis Hamilton.
“Congratulations @Max33Verstappen. Incredible finish. Amazing Season, World Champion! @LewisHamilton Great Performance.”
Congratulations @Max33Verstappen Incredible finisch, Amazing Season, World Champion! #formula1 @LewisHamilton Great Performance. pic.twitter.com/QfCUR2bI2d
— Robert Lewandowski (@lewy_official) December 12, 2021
A number of football clubs also used their social media platforms to tip their hat to Verstappen.
Congratulations, @Max33Verstappen! 👏 pic.twitter.com/OdSRGwAl61
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) December 12, 2021
Dutch history is written 🧡
On behalf of everyone at @ZiggoSport & @AFCAjax, congratulations to @Max33Verstappen on being @F1 World Champion! 🏆 #Zi33o pic.twitter.com/FpTApEwCfn— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) December 12, 2021
Mercedes had appealed Verstappen's victory but had their attempts thrown out by the FIA.