Crimson Bull’s Max Verstappen collected his System One world champion’s trophy at a gala awards ceremony on Thursday and seemed ahead to preventing seven instances title-holder Lewis Hamilton once more subsequent season.

His Mercedes rival, overwhelmed this yr on the final lap of the final race, didn’t attend the occasion on the Louvre museum in Paris.

“It is my life aim achieved, so it sounds fairly first rate,” stated Verstappen after being welcomed on stage as champion.

“All the pieces that comes subsequent is only a bonus. I am in fact going to maintain pushing, I will be in F1 for a number of extra years however this has been an extremely powerful season,” added the 24-year-old.

“It has been an unbelievable battle with Lewis, one of many best drivers ever in System One. I feel we actually pushed one another to the restrict, typically over the restrict … I feel in the long run we actually respect one another.

“I can not look ahead to subsequent yr to come back again and for certain we will attempt once more.”

Talking to reporters earlier, Verstappen recognised his Mercedes rival’s struggling.

Mercedes group boss Toto Wolff, who was additionally absent, had indicated some uncertainty over his disillusioned driver’s future after final Sunday’s finale in Abu Dhabi.

“I do not really feel sorry however I can perceive in fact that it may be very painful,” stated Verstappen.

“However on the finish of the day that is racing as nicely. It’s a must to simply maintain preventing to the tip and you recognize that in racing something can occur.

“He additionally received a championship like that. So I feel he can perceive as nicely,” added the 24-year-old, who overtook Hamilton at Yas Marina when a sudden change to the security automobile process gave him an opportunity after it appeared he had none.

Hamilton took his first title with McLaren in 2008 with a final nook transfer that shattered Brazilian Ferrari driver Felipe Massa’s hopes.

Requested how unhealthy it will be if Hamilton didn’t come again to resume the battle subsequent season, Verstappen doubted that may occur.

“I can perceive that the primary few days after a race like that you just’re not joyful however you also needs to perceive that is racing,” he stated. “I feel he ought to simply look again at what he has achieved already.

“That ought to give him a number of consolation and also needs to be that drive to simply carry on going as a result of he’s nonetheless making an attempt to problem for that eighth title and for certain he can try this once more subsequent yr.

“So I do not see any motive why to surrender or cease now.”