Verstappen expects this competitor in 2024: 'They were the most impressive'

In just over a week, the 2023 calendar year will be over, and then the run-up to the 2024 F1 season will really start. The big question is which team and drivers will pose serious challengers to Red Bull Racing, which proved virtually unbeatable last season. Will Mercedes return to the absolute top, and will Lewis Hamilton stand a chance of winning his eighth world title? Or could Charles Leclerc have a shot at the title with Ferrari?

In the podcast Talking Bull, Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen were asked which driver they think could be a high performer next year? On the last day of work for Red Bull Racing's men, Perez had little desire to answer that. "I don't want to think too much, I'm so exhausted and it's so hard to predict," the Mexican said with a wink, after which the question was passed on to teammate Verstappen.

The Dutch world champion does have an inkling which team could be closer in each case. "We were the only team to be really consistent through the year. Behind us it was up and down. It will all depend on how much they improve through the winter. The most impressive was definitely McLaren so it looks like they might be very strong next year," Verstappen said.

Whichever team or driver becomes Verstappen's challenger, the titleholder is not too worried about it: "Every year is a little bit different, but you rely a lot on your experience. I have experienced a lot already in my career in F1. You know if you want to fight for the championship, the most important thing is the car. But your performances need to be very consistent and that's something I'll be trying to achieve again in 2024."