After dominating most of the races this season, the Red Bull driver is on his way to a second world title and will have his first chance to lock up the year's title at Marina Bay this weekend.
However, the Dutchman is not expecting to be crowned early this week given that winning the title is not entirely in the Dutchman's hands and also at stake is the inability of his title rivals Sergio Perez and Charles Leclerc to finish in too high a position as well.
"I need to win the race and Checo needs to finish fourth or lower and Charles needs to finish eighth or lower," Verstappen said Thursday. "It's kind of unrealistic. So I wouldn't think about it. The chances are pretty slim. I just want to enjoy the weekend. And, of course, try to win the race."
Despite high hopes for Verstappen to be crowned early this weekend, the Dutchman said he would actually prefer to achieve that goal next weekend in Japan.
As it will be F1's first return to Asia since the New Crown virus pandemic, a victory on Honda's home turf would also be far-reaching.
"I think Japan is better," said Verstappen, "and I'm really excited to be back there. We've been away from there for a while. It's an amazing track. Anyway, for me it has very special memories."
"The first time I drove a Formula One car was in my first free practice there and I will always remember that day. Apart from that, yes, it was a bit like being back at home with Honda. And, I think it will be the first time I really have a chance to take the championship. Of course, I'm looking forward to going to Singapore now. But I'm also excited about next weekend."
While Verstappen will be more than happy to end the title race early to ensure there is less pressure at the end of the season, he admits he has that little bit of hope that Ferrari will be more fully committed to the fight this year.
Leclerc made a strong start to the season, winning two of the first three races. At the end of the Australian Grand Prix, the Monegasque had amassed a 34-point advantage in the standings.
However, a combination of poor reliability, strategy errors and driving mistakes saw the Monegasque and Ferrari stumble in the title race, and thus created an opportunity for Verstappen to open up a gap in the standings.
Asked if he hoped Ferrari would not make a mistake, Verstappen said: "I mean, there are two sides to it. Yes, on the one hand, I hope they are still in contention. From my point of view, of course I'm happy to win the championship in a more calm way. But I think what is pleasing is that they are more competitive this year than in previous years, and I think that is what Formula One needs."
