The championship makes Verstappen only the sixth driver in F1 history to win four or more titles, adding him to the list that includes all-time greats Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, Alain Prost, former Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel and Juan Manuel Fangio.

The year started in cruise control, with seven wins in the first 10 races, giving Verstappen a commanding lead in the drivers' standings. But, that seventh win was in June and, as the competition caught up to Red Bull, Verstappen found himself stuck in a 10-race losing streak with Norris chipping away at the championship lead.

It was his recovery in Brazil earlier this month for his first victory in months that righted the ship, and has Verstappen insistent that this will go down as one of his best seasons ever.

"For sure. I mean, you know, it was a very challenging season," said the 27-year-old Dutchman. "I think also as a person, at times it's very challenging, and I had to be calm. And I think, in a way, of course I still prefer last season. I enjoyed that a lot.