Max Verstappen Once Dumped Rationality to Willingly Make a Superstitious Exception for Dutch Soccer Icon Johan Cryuff

Every F1 driver usually has some sporting hero, mostly a former driver and racer. But, Max Verstappen says he does not have a such racing idol. Apparently, Verstappen has got a belief that may not seem the most rational in the context of role models and heroes. Still, the Dutchman revealed back in 2019 how Dutch Soccer legend Johan Cruyff became his sporting idol.

Talking to the Telegraph in an exclusive interview, Verstappen stated how, as a child, he did not have any heroes. He said, “I always find it difficult to judge someone if I haven’t met the guy before. To me, a hero can only be someone I’ve met or spent time with. I cannot admire someone if I’ve no idea of who he actually is.”

Max revealed how he did not have any posters of racers or former F1 champions when he was young. But about Johan Cruyff, Max has read his biography. And the Red Bull driver is not fond of reading books. So amongst the selective ones he read, Cruyff’s life story was a revelation for him.

The Dutchman has since revered Cruyff and admired his sporting abilities. While he may not sound rational in saying that a person cannot be his hero, if he doesn’t get to know him or meet him, it was his willing choice.

Many would cite Max as superstitious about the “no meeting, no hero” condition and making an exception for Cruyff. But it is his personal idol choice, so his bias for a particular individual will influence him.

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Since Max’s debut, he has become a huge icon in the Netherlands, like Cruyff. Eventually, Verstappen was lucky enough to get a chance to meet his hero Cruyff just before his demise.

When Max Verstappen Met with Johan Cruyff

Max Verstappen is a great soccer fan and has got his modern-day favorite soccer stars. Though, his connection with Johan Cruyff might always be a special one. Back in 2016, he finally got the chance to meet the Dutch legend in Barcelona.

While Max was at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for F1’s Pre-season testing, he met Cruyff. The Toro Rosso driver posted on his Instagram about finally meeting his sporting hero. Their pic together shows Max’s wide grin and his satisfaction to meet Johan.

Unfortunately, after their meeting in Spain; Cruyff passed away in the same month of March 2016, when he met Max. Although Verstappen has honored Cruyff quite well, the way he has progressed since then.

Johan’s family also congratulated Max after his record-breaking 14th win of 2022 in Mexico. The number 14 was special to the Cruyff family too, as Johan played most of his soccer games with the #14 on his back. They posted a really nice graphic of Johan congratulating Max.

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Nonetheless, Verstappen would love to sustain his successful streak to become a big national legend like Cruyff. Considering his 8 years in F1 so far, he is on his way, surely. Let us know your thoughts about Max Verstappen and his hero.