No easy start expected for Verstappen: 'Teams much closer together'

Ferrari needs to step up if the team wants to win the world title in 2023 after losing against Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing. David Coulthard believes in the Italians' chances and hopes we will see a title battle between three teams next season.

Ferrari started the 2022 season strongly, but soon the Italians proved no match for Red Bull. The team from Maranello made too many mistakes and did not have the reliability of the car in order, allowing Verstappen to win his second title in dominant fashion.

Despite the painful year for Ferrari, Coulthard is confident in the team's qualities. "I believe in the drivers and that, because they've designed that car at that pace, they've got the right talent in the team to iron out the issues they have had," the former Formula 1 driver said in conversation with Mirror Sport.

"So, with all of that, Ferrari have got to be lined up for the championship in ‘23 based on what they've got on their hands – a very fast Grand Prix car and two very fast and motivated drivers."

Title battle between three teams in 2023?

Not only do Ferrari hope to compete for the title again in 2023, Mercedes are also pushing to come back stronger next season after a mediocre year.

"I would like to believe that we are going to have a three-way title battle next year. As strong as Max has been, we are where we are in the closing stages of the [2022] season which are the foundations of next year. So that, to me, feels like we're a lot closer than we were at the beginning of the year," Coulthard added.