Verstappen misses out on European Sportsperson of the Year title

Max Verstappen was recently named sportsman of the year for the second time in the Netherlands. The world champion was also nominated for the European version of the same title, but ultimately lost out to two other sportsmen and women.

First place went to Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic, who has won the title three times before. Polish football player Robert Lewandowski came in second, just ahead of Verstappen. This is the first time Verstappen has scored so highly on the list, which is voted for by 27 international news agencies.

Lewis Hamilton won the award twice, in 2019 and in 2014. This time he had to make do with 14th place. Other Formula 1 drivers who won the award in the past are Sebastian Vettel (2012 and 2013), Michael Schumacher (2001, 2002 and 2003), Mika Hakkinen (1998) and Nigel Mansell (1992).