BARRETTO: From 17-year-old rookie to three-time champion – what next for Max Verstappen?

Three and a half hours after Max Verstappen crossed the line to win his third F1 title with second place in the Qatar Grand Prix Sprint, he bounces into a room top of the F1 hospitality unit in the Doha paddock and takes his place on a chair adjacent to the world championship trophy. He gazes at the silverware with a smile that has been emblazoned on his face since the moment he took his helmet off.

“I have a bit more space in my place,” he says when I ask where he’ll put it. “I have got one on my fridge next to the simulator and one in my display case next to my TV in my living room. It’s a good view!” He then relaxes back into his chair and takes a deep breath. There’s barely been time to take in what he’s just achieved.