F1 champion Max Verstappen receives strange tribute ahead of Spanish GP

Max Verstappen, Red Bull, Barcelona, 2024, Social — Photo: © IMAGO

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Verstappen receives strange tribute ahead of Spanish GP

Red Bull star Max Verstappen is in action at the Spanish Grand Prix this weekend

Kevin McKenna

Saturday 22 June 2024 23:00

One of Max Verstappen's fans has taken their appreciation of the Dutch star to a new level ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix.

The reigning world champion in aiming for a third consecutive victory at the Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya this weekend.

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Verstappen got back to winning ways last time out in Montreal to widen the gap over his nearest title challengers, overcoming testing conditions to pip McLaren star Lando Norris to top spot.

Despite holding a commanding 56-point lead over Charles Leclerc, the 26-year-old has looked some way off his best this season.

Given he has won every other race in 2024, his form is not a significant cause for concern, but for the first time in a number of years his rivals are sensing that he may be showing signs of vulnerability.

Max Verstappen holds a commanding advantage in the 2024 drivers' standings

The Dutchman has been put under pressure this year by Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc

Champion a hit with pet lovers

This weekend, fans have flocked to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya hoping to see a first Spanish winner at the track since Fernando Alonso's triumph in 2013, but Verstappen can still count on having some support in the stands.

And one particular devotee of the Red Bull racer revealed an odd tribute, declaring they had named their guinea pig in honour of their hero.