Yet after his weekend sweep in Austin, winning the sprint and Sunday’s grand prix for a maximum haul of 33 points, even Verstappen had to soften his stance a bit. “For sure, the chance is there,” he admitted after the race on Sunday. “I’m really just very excited for the end.”

After a week off, Formula 1 is back in action on Sunday with the Singapore Grand Prix, which will take place at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.