Q: Max, have you now digested the fact that you once again re-wrote F1 history with your win in Spain?

Max Verstappen: Ha, it was probably more exciting from the outside. Yes, it’s a bit of a special feeling but in the end I don’t follow and count records. I just want to win. Period!

Q: There are two other drivers on the grid who previously held the ‘youngest ever’ attribute: Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel - and both became world champions. Is that also your given destiny?

MV: I wish that’s my destiny. At least I try to! (laughs) I always wanted to be in Formula One, to win races and championships - nothing else. I’ve won one race now - so let’s hope that it is the start of a long series!

Q: How did you learn that you would take Daniil Kvyat’s seat at Red Bull? Did you expect that something like that could happen during the season?

MV: Well, you never can expect such a chance! Not at that time of the year. Dr Helmut Marko [Red Bull motorsport consultant] called me after Russia and we met in Graz - and then everything got cemented into a contract! I know speaking it out it sounds pretty unimpressive, but it I knew what big chance was attached to it!

Q: Helmut is a pretty tough task master when it comes to his drivers and you must have been aware that there was another party who also got a call from him with much less happy news. Was that on your mind?

MV: Well, you always have that! That’s life - and more precise: that’s Formula One. I wouldn’t say that Helmut is tough - he is straight forward - and that’s where we match. And that’s what he also likes in me - I guess.

Q: How did you learn to be so unfazed about all the things that go on around you? Stress and excitement seem to glance off your personality - and all at an age of eighteen…

MV: All I can say is: I am just myself. That’s how I grew up. I haven’t really taken the time to analyse myself! (laughs) Too many things have happened lately….