Verstappen joins young F1 stars for extracurricular activity

Verstappen shared images of himself enjoying padel, a new favourite sport among many Formula 1 drivers, ahead of the first race of the season. "Enjoyed that one," the four-time world champion wrote in his caption.

Verstappen was joined by three other drivers. The second image suggests he was on the same team as Gabriel Bortoleto.

They were joined by Haas driver Oliver Bearman, and current Williams reserve and Super Formula driver Luke Browning. The Briton recently suffered a frightening crash at Suzuka in the latter series.

The Dutchman looks forward to the first race of the season, as Red Bull is set to achieve a major milestone: completing its first Grand Prix with an in-house power unit built in collaboration with Ford.

He said: "In Bahrain, seeing the car with our own power unit getting in so many laps was very impressive; there were a lot of proud faces seeing it go out for the first time and the team have done a great job."