Verstappen has not placed outside the podium positions since the Dutch Grand Prix. Even when he's suffered he's still manage to convert woe into success, like at the Mexico Grand Prix and last time out at the race in Brazil.

It is the race in Sao Paulo in particular that makes the four-time world champion that a win is in fact possible in Las Vegas.

In Interlagos Verstappen and Red Bull struggled massively to put the RB21 in the working window. They were nowhere in the Sprint and the Dutch driver suffered a first-ever Q1 elimination due to a lack of pace in his F1 career.

However, on Saturday evening, the team took measures and pulled the car out of Parc Fermé, altered parts and the set up, along with fitting a new power unit. The outcome was a drive for the books as Verstappen managed to stage a masterful comeback drive from the pit lane to P3, and very nearly P2.

"Well, I mean, looking back at Brazil, yeah, I guess so," said Verstappen regarding his chances at taking the win on Saturday evening.

McLaren CEO Zak Brown has criticised Red Bull for - in his view - operating the team catering for Verstappen. He argues Verstappen appears to “rule” the team, with the car tailored to him and others afraid to challenge him. Read Brown's statements here.

Want to stay up-to-date with what happens in the F1 paddock? Then GPblog's F1 Paddock Update video is the perfect way to do it. Subscribe to GPblog's YouTube channel and turn on notifications to never miss the latest episodes.