Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has explained why he is not an “idiot” despite offering support to Manchester United and Liverpool.

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  • Dutch stars drew racing ace to Red Devils
  • Countrymen now impressing at Anfield
  • Reluctant to "hate" any football club
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The Dutchman, who has just claimed a fourth-successive global crown in his profession of choice, is a keen follower of football when not sat behind the wheel. He considers himself to be a United supporter first and foremost, with historic ties to former Netherlands internationals bringing him on board.

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    WHAT VERSTAPPEN SAID

    Verstappen has told : "I just like the story behind when Sir Alex Ferguson was the manager. Initially, the Dutch connection with [Ruud] van Nistelrooy and [Robin] van Persie also came in. You become a fan and you start reading more into the club, how they have achieved a lot of their success. It just inspires me. I like it. I'm like, 'Yeah, that's really cool and it's a cool club'. Of course, they went through a tough time, but when I see them do well, it makes me happy.”

  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Despite boasting emotional ties to the Red Devils, Verstappen is also happy to see their arch-rivals Liverpool doing well – with fellow countrymen Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo currently on the books at Anfield as they chase down a Premier League title.

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    DID YOU KNOW?

    Verstappen added on following other Dutchmen: “Virgil keeps inviting me to come to a game and I will definitely do it. I'm not that idiot that hates another club. When I see Virgil play or Cody, when they do well at Liverpool, that excites me as well.

    “When they're leading in the league, I'm like, ‘Yeah, that's great’. They're having an amazing season. It's cool. I'm also a fan of Barcelona. It's not like I hate Real Madrid. I'm a little bit more of a fan of Barcelona.”