Verstappen leads the Drivers’ Championship standings by a remarkable 266 points from teammate Sergio Perez.

Only Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz at the Singapore Grand Prix has been able to break Red Bull’s monopoly on race wins this year.

There are just two more races to come before the conclusion of the campaign, with a first trip to Las Vegas followed by the denouement at Abu Dhabi, where Verstappen secured a controversial first crown two years ago.

Hamilton, who fell short on that occasion, raised eyebrows after racing concluded at Interlagos on Sunday when suggesting that Red Bull were so far ahead that other teams would find it too hard to close the gap for the next couple of years.

“The Red Bull, I think, is so far away,” the British driver said. “I think they’re probably going to be very clear for the next couple of years.

The next truly significant change to the sport is set to come in 2026 when new engine regulations will take effect.

It is hoped that this will help level the playing field and attract new engine manufacturers to the sport, with a number already having expressed interest.