EXCLUSIVE: Max Verstappen is named as the most popular Formula One driver in the world as he sees off title rival Lewis Hamilton, who comes in THIRD place behind fellow Brit Lando Norris

• Max Verstappen is leading the way on and off the grid after a fan survey 
• The Dutchman was named the most popular Formula One driver in the world  
• He saw off competition from rival Lewis Hamilton, who only came in third  

Max Verstappen will be named the most popular Formula One driver in the world on Thursday.

The 24-year-old, who leads Hamilton by six points going into Sunday’s American Grand Prix, will be unveiled as the public’s favourite as part of the official Global F1 Fan Survey.

Sportsmail understands Hamilton is unexpectedly third on the list, not only behind Verstappen but also Lando Norris, 21.

An insider said: ‘It is quite surprising given Lewis’s seven titles and the fact Verstappen has never won a title and Norris has not even won a race.’

Despite the survey’s results, Hamilton’s online popularity — a stonking 23.1million Instagram followers alone — dwarfs all his rivals.

The survey commissioned by Formula One, and conducted in conjunction with Nielsen Sports and Motorsport Network, gauges fans’ views on every aspect of the sport.

F1 bosses are calling it the largest sports survey ever conducted.