Verstappen - Whatever comes next in F1 is just a bonus

Max Verstappen feels whatever success comes his way in F1 will be "just a bonus" after claiming he has now "achieved everything" with his title triumph.

After beating Lewis Hamilton to the crown by just eight points at the end of a dramatic 22 races that came down to the last lap in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, Verstappen was handed the F1 drivers' trophy at the FIA prize-giving ceremony in Paris on Thursday.

From starting out in karts as a four-year-old, collecting the biggest prize in motorsport is the culmination of a 20-year journey for the Dutchman who has now achieved his ambition.

"I said during the season it would not matter if I finished first or second, it would not change me, and it doesn't," said Verstappen.

"It has been my life goal to become a champion, and now I've done that, of course, I'm incredibly happy.

"But I'm the same guy, I have the same friends, I spend the same amount of time with family, still live in the same place.

"Nothing is going to change, but in a way, in the back of my mind, it's even more relaxing knowing I've achieved everything in Formula 1 now and everything that comes next is just a bonus."

Asked for his feelings on hearing the words 'Max Verstappen - Formula 1 world champion', the 24-year-old remained phlegmatic.

"Of course, it sounds very good," said Verstappen.

"But it's more been a journey towards this championship, especially when you achieve it, you start thinking about all the hours and the years leading up to it.

"That, of course, is for me more emotional than hearing [the words] world champion. Of course, it's amazing we've achieved this after a very long and tough season."

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

Toto Wolff shares fresh concerns over Kimi Antonelli F1 mistakes after maiden win

• 2 minutes ago

Aston Martin and Adrian Newey set for F1 cost cap boost after FIA twist

• 47 minutes ago

Max Verstappen told to speak to F1 rivals after causing storm over new 2026 rules

• 1 hour ago

F1 News Today: Adrian Newey to step down at Aston Martin as legend 'chooses' his own replacement

• 2 hours ago

Max Verstappen ally claims bad Red Bull start has triggered F1 champion's fury

• Yesterday 22:55

Lewis Hamilton out, Oscar Piastri's big mistake and a sliding doors F1 moment

• Yesterday 21:55