2023-10-07 07:13:17
Max Verstappen is going from success to success in Formula 1. There are also prizes for this. But the Dutchman doesn’t think much of it and instead wants something else.
Doha.
Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen doesn’t believe in voting for athletes. “Every year we have these awards for the athlete of the year. But why? I don’t want to win it at all,” said the Dutchman and explained: “It’s about appreciating the talent that we have as a country. It’s possible “It’s not about one success being more valuable than another. We should just celebrate everyone’s successes together.”
The 26-year-old Red Bull driver has already won the Dutch Sportsman of the Year award three times, most recently twice in a row in 2021 and 2022. “I think it’s unfair. Because a lot of people put so much effort into their sport and achieve crazy results. And sometimes they don’t get an award for it because there’s only one stupid prize for one person,” said Verstappen. Last year he was voted World Athlete of the Year for the first time by the Laureus organization.
“It’s important that everyone is valued”
Verstappen can secure his third world title in a row in the sprint race at the Qatar Grand Prix today (7:30 p.m./Sky). A sixth place is enough for him in the desert state. That should almost automatically earn him the next sports award in his home country. He doesn’t have much interest in it. “I’m happy and proud that I’m Dutch,” he said, but also noted: “I think it’s important that everyone is valued.”
In the Netherlands, voices have recently been raised that Verstappen is already the country’s greatest athlete, ahead of greats like football icon Johan Cruyff. The racing driver himself doesn’t concern himself with this. “I don’t want to compare myself with anyone, everyone was fantastic in their own way in their sport,” said Verstappen in the Doha paddock. As a child, he himself idolized many athletes and also demanded from his own experience: “As a country, we should be proud of all athletes. It doesn’t matter who is the best or second best.” (dpa)
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