Ferrari and Mercedes are Max Verstappen's Biggest Competitors in the 2023 Formula 1 Event

Max Verstappen (Instagram @maxverstappen1)

JAKARTA - Oracle Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen has opened up about who will be his biggest competitor in the 2023 Formula 1 season.

The man from the Netherlands, who won a record of 15 wins and 454 points during the 2022 season, said that Ferrari and Mercedes were two of them. He considered both teams to have performed well and tended to improve.

"I think Ferrari will be strong - but as for 'how strong' it's hard to say. However, Mercedes have shown over the last few years that they are really strong and have a good group of people," Verstappen said as quoted from Formula 1's official website via Antara, Sunday, February 5.

Furthermore, the 25-year-old racer said he would give his best for his team, which dominated last season well.

He is also predicted to become the fifth driver in F1 history to win the championship three times in a row. However, Verstappen admitted that he had not thought about the target of a third title.

"We worked hard as a team to try and make sure that we have the chance to fight for it again, but only time will tell," he said.

"I don't even think about things like that (third title). Because it's more important to focus on a competitive car and team. With a competitive car, it can happen. The important thing is to make sure the car goes well and fast, and not there is a problem," he added.

Meanwhile, Red Bull Racing introduced the RB19 on Friday (3/2). Verstappen admits that he has not seen a more detailed look at the car he will be driving this season.

"I'm only talking about the performance gain in terms of lap times of the car... I just want a fast car, and it doesn't matter how it looks to me," said Verstappen.

Meanwhile, Verstappen will return to racing alongside teammate Sergio Perez, reserve driver Daniel Ricciardo and Team Principal Christian Horner at this year's Red Bull Racing team.