Although his dream has been realised, New Zealand's Brendon Hartley has his eyes firmly focused on improving the results of the Toro Rosso Formula 1 team.
The 28-year-old became the first New Zealander to race in motorsports pinnacle category since 1982 when he debuted for the Italian team at the United States Grand Prix in Austin last month.
Initially just signed to a one-race deal, Hartley this past week signed a contract for the 2018 season, completing a remarkable six months for the Palmerston North native.
Winning the 2017 24 Hours of Le Mans race in June, Hartley secured the World Endurance Championship title two weeks after his Formula 1 debut.
Speaking with NZME's Tony Veitch, Hartley said having himself now referred to as a Formula 1 driver is surreal.
"Hearing it out loud - Formula 1 driver for 2018 - it feels amazing to hear that, and I just can't wait to reflect on it all and start working towards next year. It's an absolute dream scenario for me," Hartley told Newstalk ZB.
"It's a bit of a fairy-tale story really. No one expected it a few months ago, including me, and now it is happening."
F1 isn't new to the Kiwi; as an 18-year-old he was signed to a driver development contract with the Red Bull team, but despite earning the roll as team test driver in 2009, he was unable to crack a full-time drive in the sport.
Hartley says that experience left him in a good head space ahead of his debut in Texas as he wasn't in a completely unfamiliar environment.
"Going into Austin I still had to get the job done, but in the last couple of weeks I was still pretty confident it was all going to be okay.
"It helped me to relax going into the last couple of races, but there's still been a lot to prove - they took a massive risk on me.
"I'm happy with how I handled it and how it is all going and just so stoked that it's continuing."
Hartley now turns his attention to the 2018 season, with the team shifting to Honda engines in a move they hope eases their recent woes with the Renault engines.
The Kiwi has retired from the last two Grand Prix, a worrying trend that has affected the team all year.
If anything, the season's final race in Abu Dhabi is more a distraction than a chance for development.
"To have a few Grand Prix's under my belt going into the new season - I've got pre-season testing to get organised now - the timing couldn't be better," Hartley told NZME.
"It all hinges on how I keep developing in the Formula 1 car. Next year will be the next step to secure my long-term future. My dream and goal now is to remain and Formula 1 and keep working my way up the ranks. To do that, I need to do a good job next year and that's what it's going to come down to.
"The big task is ahead and I'm well aware of that. I've still got a lot to learn. It's not going to get easier."
Young Frenchman Pierre Gasly has been confirmed as the New Zealander's teammate for 2018.
Newshub.
