Verstappen reveals: 'He is currently my only rival in Formula 1'

Max Verstappen says he currently has one rival in Formula 1. His name: Sergio Perez. As things stand, he sees his Red Bull Racing teammate as the only other driver on the grid capable of scoring victories.

Speaking to the Italian branch of Sky Sports, Verstappen points to Perez as his only rival, given the current balance of power in the 2023 F1 season. "At the moment, he seems to be the only one who can fight for victory," the reigning world champion acknowledges, but at the same time, he keeps in mind that the proportions could still change over the course of the season.

Right now, however, it is his teammate he has to reckon with. "Perez seems to be the only one I can fight with right now. Otherwise, we will see in the course of the year," the Dutchman added. However, he stresses the importance of getting the best possible result as a team: "It is important to have a fast car, and we have proven that we have one. We have never been so strong at the beginning of the year."