Arsenal star Jurrien Timber shares what he loves about Red Bull champion Max Verstappen

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The Dutch have an awful lot of pride when it comes to their sporting heroes as the recent Olympics showed.

The Netherlands collected 15 gold medals – more than Great Britain and Germany – to finish 6^th in the standings in Paris.

However, they also have sporting icons outside of those sports and Red Bull star Max Verstappen is certainly one of them.

As a triple Formula 1 world champion, Verstappen has already established himself among the very best in the sport’s history.

It’s not uncommon across nearly every European race and even at circuits further abroad to see full grandstands full of racing fans wearing bright orange.

Speaking to NBC Sports ahead of the start of the Premier League season, Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber was talking about his second season with the North London team.

Timber’s first campaign with the Gunners was almost completely scuppered by injury but he’s set to have a much bigger impact this year.

Asked about his inspiration going forward, Timber namechecked Verstappen as one of the people he most looks up to.

He admitted that Verstappen’s winning mentality is something he admires, particularly the comments he makes after races.

However, Verstappen’s rants while driving for Red Bull might not be the level of calmness that Timber’s manager Mikel Arteta demands during a match.

READ MORE: Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend

Arsenal star Jurrien Timber shares what’s inspiring about Red Bull star Max Verstappen

Asked if he looks to Verstappen and Kobe Bryant for inspiration, Timber said: “Yeah, I like to look at winners, in the NBA you see them a lot.

“But for example, Max Verstappen as well you see his interviews after games [races] and you’re like, ‘Wow, this guy is such a big winner’ and I just love to see that and I love to see his comments about things that have happened after a race.”

Asked if he thinks that’s something he can add to the Arsenal team, Timber added: “Yeah definitely, I think we have it a lot already and we have a lot of winners and leadership in the group already but it’s always good to add [more] I think.”

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Red Bull Racing from engine to Ford links

Max Verstappen faces a fight to deliver fourth F1 world championship

Verstappen’s winning mentality has put him in the best position possible to win his fourth Formula 1 world title this year.

The Dutchman can afford to retire from the next three races and at worst he would be level on points with Lando Norris.

That’s thanks to his ability to extract everything out of his RB20 while Sergio Perez’s struggles have highlighted just how impressive his performances are.

Perez’s inability to challenge for race wins and podiums could cost Red Bull in the Constructors’ Championship.

Considering prize money – and typically staff bonuses – are tied to that championship, the pressure is growing on the Mexican to up his game.

Perez may have just four races to save his Red Bull seat but speculation surrounding his teammate doesn’t appear to faze Verstappen.

He’s seen plenty of drivers come and go alongside him at Red Bull but the intensity with which he races – and what leaves Timber so impressed – has served him well thus far.