The Dutchman, would of course, though, 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.

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.”