Max Verstappen has poked fun at rival Lewis Hamilton’s involvement in a Chelsea takeover bid by saying: ‘I thought he was an Arsenal fan’. In an interview, world champion Verstappen said: ‘I am a PSV fan and I would never buy Ajax. Verstappen controversially beat Hamilton to last year’s world championship, but following two retirements in the opening three races of his title defence, he already trails runaway leader Charles Leclerc by 46 points. Verstappen and Leclerc, both 24, have gone head-to-head at every round so far. But in contrast to his explosive battles with Hamilton last year, Verstappen and Leclerc have so far avoided contact. One theory is that Verstappen has not been as aggressive in his duels with the Ferrari driver as he was with Hamilton. ‘I didn’t know that people could speak for me,’ said Verstappen. ‘I race exactly like I always race because that is how I am. Verstappen claimed his maiden championship following a thrilling season-long battle with Hamilton.

Follow MotorMouth on social media:

• 
• 
• 
•