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."

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