Q: Max, one has to go back a long time to find a driver who has caused a similar amount of controversy as you in one season. Probably Michael Schumacher in his prime. Can you understand all the excitement?

Max Verstappen: Ha, it was not planned! I never really targeted to be controversial in any way or form! (Laughs) I am racing in the best possible way I can - that’s it. But of course I also fight for positions - whether it is to defend or to attack! That is the way I am. I never sat down and thought ‘Well, I want to be the most talked about driver on the grid’…

Q: …but on many occasions you are. You were on the podium with the two Mercedes drivers and the fans were shouting your name…

MV: …oh yes, that is positive - but it is never planned. Probably it comes naturally as I always do the best race that I can - and that must appeal to the fans!

Q: Staying on the topic of excitement, what’s been your best moment of 2016?

MV: The win in Barcelona because I didn’t expect it at all. The second best moment was Brazil!

Q: What have you learned since Barcelona? Being thrown into a top team and expected to swim immediately…

MV: I have learned a lot when it comes to handling the car. To understand more and to set it up better. Then of course there is a learning curve in race experience. But that is all very normal: the more you race, the better the car is that you have.

Q: Was there never a feeling of worry? ‘Oh my goodness, I better not waste the chance I’ve been given…’

MV: To be honest I never had that feeling. I knew what I was able to deliver - and that in the end it will go step by step. There is nothing that falls from the sky - you have to work hard for it.

Q: The fact is the moment you sat in a competitive car you were going after all the established guys. Sebastian Vettel seems to have been your preferred target on occasion - has it spiced up the situation that you are with the team he left two years ago?

MV: ‘Target’ is absolutely not the right word, as it was never planned that way. It just happened. We have almost the same speed with the cars - so we do see each other a lot on the track! (Laughs)

Q: Probably more than he would like to…

MV: …and I don’t care. I race the way I feel is appropriate for me - and that promises success.