Olympic athletes believe in Verstappen: 'We are going to the gala for fun'

The world title of Max Verstappen has caused a lot of commotion in the Netherlands. Millions of people sat in front of the television to cheer along with the Dutchman. This title is already seen as one of the highlights in Dutch sports history.

It seems fairly obvious that Max Verstappen will be named Sportsman of the Year later this month for this unique achievement. Other nominees like Niek Kimmann (Olympic champion BMX) and Harrie Lavreysen (two times Olympic champion track cycling) seem to have reconciled with that.

The NOS asked both of them if they think they have a chance of winning the best athlete award? "That's a rhetorical question for sure?" responds Kimmann. "I think Harrie and I are there for the fun on Wednesday," Lavreysen adds, however, that there is indeed a chance for the election. "It's mainly Olympic athletes who cast their vote, so I don't know what they will vote," the track cyclist states.

Kimmann and Lavreysen have much admiration for what Max Verstappen has accomplished. The first said that no Dutchman can match what Verstappen has done. He himself was in Colombia during the final race. There he watched the Grand Prix in the early morning. Lavreysen is equally impressed by Verstappen: "What Max did is so bizarre.