F1 news: ‘Thin’ Max Verstappen reveals dream to be like kickboxer Rico Verhoeven

Verstappen is into his fourth full season in F1 at the age of just 20.

The Dutchman is one of the tallest drivers on the grid at 5ft 9in and cannot increase his weight above 73kg.

His Red Bull is designed in part to comfortably fit Verstappen’s frame into the narrow driver’s seat.

But he admits he would prefer to bulk up more - like his kickboxing hero Verhoeven.

"Ideally I would have looked like Rico Verhoeven. But I would never fit into an F1 car again!” he told Men’s Health.

"I would have preferred to train a bit more, but that is not allowed because I have to stay on weight.

“I cannot be heavier than 73kg.

“I sometimes find that a shame. I'm pretty thin.”

Verhoeven, 29, is a Dutch kickboxer and current Glory Heavyweight Champion.

At 6ft 5in, he stands head and shoulders above Verstappen and weighs 7st more than the F1 star.

Max Verstappen, like all F1 drivers, is wary of he weight as his team strives to knock off crucial split seconds off their race speed.

But the Red Bull speedster insists he does let loose with his food now and again.

“I need the proteins,” he said.

“Plus, I do not really like fish.

“As soon as I am in the Netherlands, I go with my family to a Greek place and eat gyros.

“Chicken nuggets and burgers, I always go there too.”