Albers saw Ferrari close gap with Red Bull and Verstappen: 'Hope for '24''

Despite a big comeback by Ferrari in the constructors' championship, the Italian Scuderia was stuck in third place, as Mercedes finished second. The SF-23 kept getting a little better, which even resulted in a win in Singapore. Carlos Sainz was too fast for anyone, pulling off the victory. Analyst Christijan Albers thinks this gives confidence for '24.

Albers on Red Bull Racing's RB19

"Red Bull has a much better base and will build on that towards 2024," Albers opened at De Telegraaf. "That car was supreme in the medium and fast corners, and on the straights. Really clearly the best race car rather than the best qualifying car, although Verstappen put it on pole often enough."

During the season, Albers saw Ferrari getting better. "With Ferrari, we did see that they made a giant step towards the final phase of the season, in terms of top speed. And in terms of mechanical grip, traction and braking, they are really the strongest. That is also why it was no surprise to Verstappen that Carlos Sainz won in Singapore," said the former Formula One driver.

How will Ferrari fare in '24?

The 2024 Formula One season starts on the weekend of 2 March, in Bahrain. "In the closing stages of the season, you saw that Ferrari also came along better in the races and kept the tyres alive longer. That will give them confidence heading into the new year," Albers concluded. Will Ferrari be able to make things difficult for Red Bull Racing? Vote in the poll below, and let us know what you think in the comments!