'Max for Michael, Lando for Luke' - Michael van Gerwen gets final laugh over Luke Littler as the duo enjoy Formula One action in Prague

Darts was not the only thing on the minds of reigning World Championship finalists Luke Littler and Michael van Gerwen while competing at the 11th European Tour event of the year in Prague, with them keeping a close eye on the events of the Formula One race in Italy.

In between third round matches, the competitors found some time to sit down and enjoy a thrilling race, with the title-leading McLarens facing off against reigning world champion Max Verstappen in what would turn out to be an enthralling race.

Despite not competing against each other on the oche, there was still room for a lighter-hearted rivalry, with each of them cheering on their fellow countrymen, whose first names also shared the same letter. Michael was cheering on Max, while Luke urged on Lando. The British pair have also met before, with Norris giving Littler a driving test, as well as facing off in a darts match, which predictably, The Nuke won.

On Instagram, van Gerwen posted a photo of the pair watching the race, writing: "Max for Michael, Lando for Luke. Let's see who wins." Van Gerwen would be the one to have the last laugh, with Verstappen romping to an impressive victory, while Norris lurked behind in second.

It would not turn out to be as successful on the main stage for either player in Prague despite the positive start. Littler had not lost a match on the European Tour since April, and started brightly in a 6-2 triumph over Cameron Menzies. He could not replicate that performance into the last 16, losing 6-4 to Gian van Veen who previously got the better of him at the German Grand Prix.

Van Gerwen began his tournament with a mind-boggling 112.73 average in a 6-0 whitewash win over the reigning World Grand Prix champion Mike De Decker. On Sunday, he failed to get anywhere near those numbers, averaging below 90 in a 6-4 defeat to eventual finalist Josh Rock.

Coincidently, the average the Green Machine boasted on Saturday was a small margin higher than the 112.19 he achieved against Littler last year in Czechia. Unfortunately for the Dutchman, this was only enough for onle leg in a monster performance from Littler.

With the European Championships fast approaching, both players sit in a comfortable position to qualify. Littler may not have featured in many events this year, but his two titles have rocketed him up into second, level with Martin Schindler, on £72,500. Van Gerwen trails the 18-year-old by £30,000, but still remains in a very comfortable spot in the rankings, slotting in 13th with £42,500 earnt over the year.

There are still three European Tour events left in Budapest, Basel and Hildesheim, with Dortmund hosting the finals between the 23rd-26th October.