“For me it’s difficult to picture myself in that situation, because I’m not a seven-time world champion,” he continued.
“If I was already a seven-time world champion it hurts a bit less than when I am fighting for my first, leading all the way, controlling it all the way, and then losing it on the last lap.
“That would be way more painful than already having seven in the bag.”
Despite the dramatic climax to the season, Verstappen proved himself to be a worthy winner over the course of the championship.
F1’s latest world champion claimed 10 poles, 10 race wins and stood on the podium on a record 18 occasions as he triumphed in one of the most memorable title battles in years.