Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk sent a classy message to his Dutch compatriot Max Verstappen as the F1 driver won the world title on Sunday.
Verstappen emerged victorious at the Japanese Grand Prix – and after Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was handed a five-second penalty to drop to third – it confirmed the Red Bull driver as champion of the world for the second successive year.
The 25-year-old now has two world titles to his name and speaking after the race, Verstappen said: ‘It’s crazy. Very mixed emotions.
‘Looking back, what a year we’ve had so far. It’s been incredible. It’s something I could never have imagined.
‘After last year, fighting until the end, and then having such a good car again this year. I’m so thankful to everyone who has been contributing to this success.
‘It’s a pretty crazy feeling, of course, because I didn’t expect it when I crossed the line [as Leclerc finished second before being handed his time penalty, which would have kept the title race alive if the result stood].
‘Of course, you could see it slowly happening, but it’s incredible at the end of the day that we did win it here. What can I say? Incredible!’
Van Dijk sent a message to Verstappen after he was confirmed as world champion in a compilation video posted by Sky Sports F1 on Twitter, which featured many different fans of the driver.
‘Max, congratulations!’ the Liverpool defender said in the clip with a huge smile on his face.
‘Another Championship, well done. It’s been a pleasure to watch you.
‘[It is] well deserved and enjoy being world champion again.’
F1 drivers and teams also congratulated Verstappen after the race, with Alpine’s Fernando Alonso posting a photo of himself alongside the Dutchman with two clapping emojis and the caption: ‘Congratulations @maxverstappen1. Enjoy it.’
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