Verstappen got back to winning ways last time out in Montreal to widen the gap over his nearest title challengers, overcoming testing conditions to pip McLaren star Lando Norris to top spot.
Despite holding a commanding 56-point lead over Charles Leclerc, the 26-year-old has looked some way off his best this season.
He was unfortunate to experience mechanical issues at the Australian Grand Prix, providing Carlos Sainz with an opportunity to get the win, but couldn't offer a substantial challenge to Norris in Miami and was disappointing throughout the Monaco weekend.
Given he has won every other race in 2024, his form is not a significant cause for concern, but for the first time in a number of years his rivals are sensing that he may be showing signs of vulnerability.
Champion a hit with pet lovers
This weekend, fans have flocked to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya hoping to see a first Spanish winner at the track since Fernando Alonso's triumph in 2013, but Verstappen can still count on having some support in the stands.
And one particular devotee of the Red Bull racer revealed an odd tribute, declaring they had named their guinea pig in honour of their hero.