Max Verstappen, the four-time Formula 1 world champion, has shared his Fantasy Premier League (FPL) team as the 2025/26 Premier League season begins. His squad notably includes several Dutch players and a mix of high-profile stars, with Verstappen raising eyebrows after questioning the steep £14.5 million price tag of Liverpool’s Mo Salah.
The Formula 1 star picked four Dutch players in his lineup: Virgil van Dijk, Micky van de Ven, Sven Botman, and Tijjani Reijnders, the latter chosen as a budget midfielder. Verstappen’s squad blends a strong defense with a midfield anchored by prominent Premier League names, revealing his strategic approach to the fantasy game.
Verstappen’s team composition features key Premier League talents
Alongside Dutch internationals, Verstappen included superstar forwards Erling Haaland and Mo Salah, despite his surprise at Salah’s expense in the game. “Why is Salah so expensive?!” the Dutchman exclaimed, seemingly unaware that Salah had set an all-time FPL record in the previous 2024/25 season by earning 344 points.
Verstappen shared details of his FPL decision-making on Red Bull’s social media platform, where a video also displayed the finalized lineup.
The timing coincides with Liverpool preparing for their opening match of the season at Anfield against Bournemouth.
Complete breakdown of Max Verstappen’s Fantasy Premier League squad
Goalkeepers: Caoimhin Kelleher, Lucas Perri
Defenders: Rico Lewis, Micky van de Ven, Marc Guehi, Sven Botman, Virgil van Dijk
Midfielders: Martin Odegaard, Amad Diallo, Florian Wirtz, Tijjani Reijnders, Mo Salah
Forwards: Erling Haaland, Ashley Barnes, Will Lankshear
Significance of Verstappen’s FPL choices in the fantasy football community
Max Verstappen’s FPL selections highlight the crossover appeal between major sports figures and fantasy football, demonstrating how top athletes engage in football culture. His squad combines trusted star players with emerging talents, reflecting a balanced approach aimed at both performance and budget management.
This early season interest in Fantasy Premier League, especially from such a high-profile figure, is likely to boost engagement and provoke more debate around player valuations, particularly for pricey choices like Mo Salah. As the Premier League unfolds, Verstappen’s picks will be closely watched by fans and fantasy players alike to see if his strategy pays off.
