Lando Norris insists he is "very happy" with his season despite rival Max Verstappen being on the cusp of a fourth-straight Formula 1 title.
The Brit, 25, has been the chief challenger to Verstappen this year and was closing in until the Red Bull racer won from 17th in Brazil earlier this month.
Norris started on pole but finished down in sixth and that result leaves the McLaren man needing a miracle.
Verstappen, 27, can secure the championship in Las Vegas this weekend but, still, Norris told The Race: "My season has been better than people have thought.
"There have definitely been some missed opportunities, that is a fact, but I am very happy with my whole season.
I still feel like I have got a lot out of it. Things have not just gone to plan. So many things can still easily go against you, even when you have the best car."
McLaren have indeed had a car that has often been the class of the field this year. As a result, they are in pole position for a first constructors' title since 1998.
But Norris insists it has been much tougher for him than many realise.
He said: "When people think we have had the most dominant car ever... I have been on pole by three thousandths or five thousandths or two hundredths, and those positions are positions that just stay for the rest of the race.
"I have always known that - it is just the harsh reality of when you are there, and actually you are living that situation.
The thing is suddenly I am fighting them for a win, so not doing a perfect job against these drivers, mainly Max in this case, means I win a race or I do not."
For his failure to successfully beat Verstappen to the drivers' title this year, Norris has received plenty of criticism.
And he was also slammed for suggesting Verstappen's victory in Brazil was "not talent, just luck".
Norris often wears his heart on his sleeve in post-session interviews but still he "does not understand how people have got the perception" that he is arrogant.
He replied: "I find it is a little bit weird... When people think my ego is too big or something, it could not be further from the truth - especially when I am driving.
"Maybe sometimes I choose the wrong words or something, and people somehow use that against me.
I have always been honest when I have done a good job and done a bad job. I am very happy with the people I have around me, my group.
They are the people who are being more honest with me about when I am doing well or when I am not, or whether I am being a d** and when I am not."
