National sepak takraw player Farhan Adam has clarified the origin of a photo that recently resurfaced online, showing him playing the sport with Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen. The image, which was shared by Red Bull Racing, sparked speculation that Farhan and his teammates had met Verstappen during his visit to Malaysia this week ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit.

Farhan confirmed the photo was taken a decade ago, in 2016, dispelling the impression it was from a recent encounter. The timing of the post coincided with heightened Formula 1 excitement in Malaysia as the event drew near. Farhan had also just returned from the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, where he contributed to Malaysia securing the men’s sepak takraw team gold for the first time in 36 years.

Recalling the moment, Farhan said the session took place in a hall in Puchong, where he and fellow players Afiffudin Razali, Syahir Rosdi, and Khairul Zaman introduced Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo to the sport. “Although they were a little awkward at it, they were very friendly,” he added.

Farhan expressed surprise at Verstappen’s subsequent rise to becoming a four-time world champion, while noting Daniel Ricciardo is no longer active in Formula 1, having last competed for Visa Cash App RB in 2024. Growing up admiring Michael Schumacher, Farhan welcomed the renewed attention to the photo, saying it brought back fond memories and added to the anticipation ahead of the upcoming race weekend.