Verstappen sees competitors getting closer: 'That's good for F1'

Max Verstappen has taken his 15th win this season, but in the meantime sees the competition approaching. According to the Dutchman, this is not surprising, considering Red Bull Racing are already working on next year.

Verstappen had to fight hard during the United States Grand Prix. The Dutchman started an overtaking race from P6, and problems with the brakes did not make it any easier. The Red Bull Racing driver is dominating the 2023 Formula 1 season, but the difference in America was very small with Lewis Hamilton.

Verstappen sees competition getting closer

"It's been a while since our last update. But, at the moment, they're catching. It's going to be interesting to see where everyone is going to be next year at the first race. But those are the rules, right? When you are the leading team, you have less wind tunnel time. And honestly, I think it's correct. It's fine. I think it’s good for the sport," Verstappen said in the press conference after the race in America.

"The good thing is that the rules are not really changing. Whatever you do now, [you] still learn. I think you're learning a lot for next year anyway. So it's not like you're focusing fully on this year, and then suddenly you need to rebuild for next year. I think it's absolutely correct what Mercedes is doing as well, to try and understand more of their car. But at the same time, of course, for sure we are working on next year."

While competitors have brought many updates through the year, Red Bull have reduced the amount. Adrian Newey and his team are already more focused on the 2024 car. Red Bull have the least time of all the teams in the wind tunnel and will therefore have to spend it usefully. The main question is whether Red Bull will not have a huge head start again when the new season comes around.