Max Verstappen was named Sportsman of the Year in 2021 and it may well be the case again this year. Indeed, the Red Bull Racing driver has once again been nominated for this honourary award. Verstappen has competition from ice skating (Thomas Krol) and track cycling (Harry Lavreysen).

Krol grabbed Olympic gold in the 1,000 metres last winter and also managed to seize a silver at the 1,500 metres. He also managed to add the world sprint championships to his record. Lavreysen took gold in the keirin and sprint. With the team sprint, gold was captured at the European Championships.

It would not be the first time in the history of the election that a Dutch sportsman or sportswoman has been named the best athlete of the year twice in a row. Epke Zonderland (gymnastics) actually managed to become Sportsman of the Year three times in a row between 2011 and 2013. Earlier, he also became so in 2009.

Verstappen not a big fan

Verstappen is not a big fan of the Sports Gala, as he has hinted several times in the past. Last year, he did not attend the gala to physically receive his prize either. At that time, father Jos was present. Whether Max will attend this year is still unclear. This year's gala will take place in AFAS Live on Wednesday evening 21 December.