Verstappen toasts success with $400,000 car

Jul.18 (GMM) Max Verstappen has toasted the early success of his meteoric formula one career with an extravagant purchase -- but only with his father's 'ok'.

At the weekend, the 18-year-old Dutchman continued his impressive rise to F1 stardom by collecting the prestigious Trofero Lorenzo Bandini award in Italy.

Earlier winners were champions Michael Schumacher, Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton, as Verstappen said: "I am really honoured. This trophy is a great recognition."

Blick, a Swiss newspaper, claims that Max is F1's newest millionaire driver, having won big with his high-profile move from Toro Rosso to Red Bull this year.

The report said Verstappen has celebrated his success by buying a Porsche GT3 RS, which costs almost $400,000.

But Blick quoted Max's father Jos as saying the youngster needed the 'ok' for the extravagant purchase from both himself and his manager.

"If Max wants to buy something big, he must get permission from us first. Like now with his private car," Verstappen senior said.

"But Max is very sensible on normal roads," Jos added.