{
  "id": 16298428,
  "title": "F1 legend Max Verstappen chooses between Barcelona and Real Madrid ahead of El Clasico",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/24/f1-legend-max-verstappen-chooses-between-barcelona-and-real-madrid",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-24T07:40:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/f1-legend-max-verstappen-chooses-074000133.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The upcoming football clash between Barcelona and Real Madrid, colloquially known as the El Clasico, is generating significant buzz prior to the season's first encounter. Notable Barcelona players such as Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba, and Guti have already shared their opinions and predictions regarding the game. However, the excitement extends beyond the realm of football, with renowned sports figures, including four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen, expressing their fervor for the match.\n\nVerstappen, in the midst of the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, was asked about his thoughts on both the El Clasico and the imminent Ballon d'Or ceremony. He swiftly dismissed any interest in the Ballon d'Or, stating, \"I don't really care to be honest.\" Nonetheless, the Dutch driver admitted that he is hoping for Barcelona to emerge victorious in the upcoming El Clasico. \"I just prefer if Barcelona wins,\" Verstappen added, demonstrating his support for the Spanish club.\n\nMax Verstappen's affinity for Barcelona is well-documented, despite his primary allegiance to his hometown team, PSV Eindhoven. The Dutch F1 star has previously expressed his desire to be a Barcelona fan, attributing this sentiment to his admiration for the team's playing style, particularly the influence of Dutch legend Johan Cruyff. Verstappen, who is also a fan of Cruyff, has attempted to maintain a balanced public image regarding his loyalties, previously meeting the entire Real Madrid squad during the Madrid Grand Prix and acknowledging the club's squad-building and management strategies. However, Verstappen will be rooting for Barcelona to secure a win this weekend as they aim to maintain their dominance in La Liga.",
  "summary": "The footballing world will keep a close eye on Sunday’s encounter between Barcelona and Real Madrid, in what will be the first Clasico of the season.Former such as Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba and Guti ...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}