Verstappen not eyeing 'youngest champion ever' title

As just another sign of Max Verstappen's maturity , the 19-year-old Red Bull driver says he has no real interest in setting a new record as the youngest ever Formula 1 world champion.

Verstappen would obviously gladly accept the 'claim to fame' but he does not regard it as a goal in itself.

"Definitely my goal is to win the title," he told Italy's La Stampa newspaper, as he attended the world cup skiing event in Kitzbuhel, Austria.

"But I have never intended to do it as the youngest," added Verstappen.

At 23 years and 4 months, Sebastian Vettel currently holds the record for F1's youngest world champion, an achievement he reached in 2010. Previous holders were Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso.

Verstappen 'training to point of exhaustion'

Just about a month before pre-season kicks off in Barelona , Verstappen says he is confident about his prospects for 2017.

"For now all the feelings are positive," he said. "We were very close to Mercedes and we will be even closer as the (Renault) engines are developed.

"Ferrari is also working to become more competitive, so I think it will be an interesting season," he added.

Verstappen also had a few words of advice for fellow teenager Mick Schumacher folowing Ferrari's recent comments saying they would gladly roll out the red carpet for Michael Schumacher's son who graduates this year to European F3.

"I think Mick should not think so much about this but about gathering experience and winning as many races as possible," said the Dutchman.

"Because that is what will open up many doors for him."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.