Max Verstappen was crowned a two-time world champion in Suzuka in somewhat controversial and confusing circumstances following the Japanese Grand Prix.
The Dutchman was left re-doing his mathematics after it was calculated post race that he had in fact won the title, now not able to be caught by Charles Leclerc or Sergio Perez.
It now emerges that the 25-year-old has been taking full advantage of the short break, before the team travelled to Austin for the second US race of the season.
Photographs and videos have emerged via the Instagram of Verstappen’s close friend Louis van Baar, showing the Dutch driver being handed a magnificent cake in the shape of a trophy, closely followed by a tray of shots to celebrate.
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Verstappen was not the only driver in attendance, with Lando Norris, who is a good friend of Max, being spotted in the footage.
Whilst every title must be celebrated to the fullest, Verstappen claims he is much happier with the way he won the title this year, as opposed to the dramatic finale in Abu Dhabi last year, that saw him snatch the title from Lewis Hamilton on the final lap.
“This year, it’s just been very, very different in emotions from the start, all the way through the year,” he said recently.
“You know, last year, all the way until the last race is probably the worst kind of feeling, going into that last race.
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“But also because at the time, I don’t think we were the quickest anymore, so that also doesn’t help. And this year, it’s just been very, very different in emotions from the start, all the way through the year.”
Lewis Hamilton looked set to win his record breaking eighth title, with an unstoppable run towards the end of the season, including a last to first masterclass at the Brazilian Grand Prix, until a safety car caused by Nicholas Latifi, handed the title to his Dutch nemesis.
With the title wrapped up with races to spare, Verstappen will hope the celebrations and parties continue in the years to come.