Van Dijk, Lewandowski & Spurs lead Verstappen tributes

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 12 Dec 2021 13:45 CST
• 5 min read

Virgil van Dijk and Robert Lewandowski have led the chorus of plaudits for new Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen.

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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

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.”

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.”

A number of football clubs also used their social media platforms to tip their hat to Verstappen.