Max Verstappen Identifies Formula 1 Team With the Best Driver Lineup After Red Bull

Max Verstappen Identifies Formula 1 Team With the Best Driver Lineup After Red Bull

Ero Samson
updated at October 16, 2023 at 7:46 AM
  • Red Bull Racing has dominated the 2023 Formula 1 season so far
  • The Milton-Keynes team has recorded victories in 16 of the 17 races held this season
  • World Champion Max Verstappen has named a team with the next-best driver lineup on the grid

The 2023 Formula 1 season has truly lived up to its expectations on every front. While it was almost a foregone conclusion that a Red Bull racing driver would eventually clinch victory in every race, the fight for the second position among the other nine teams has provided fans with non-stop excitement.

The season commenced in Bahrain, with Aston Martin initially emerging as the second-best team on the grid, trailing closely behind Red Bull.

Formula 1, Max Verstappen, Sergio Perez, F1, Austin GP
Red Bull Racing's Max Verstappen has dominated through the 2023 Formula 1 season. Image: Qian Jun.
Source: Getty Images

However, as the season unfolded, Mercedes surged ahead, surpassing Aston Martin and establishing themselves as the second-best team on the grid. Italian constructor Ferrari also had its moments, even pulling off a surprise win at the Singapore Grand Prix.

Nonetheless, following an upgrade at the Austrian Grand Prix, as reported by Sky Sports F1, McLaren appears to have solidified their position as the second-best team after the Red Bulls. While opinions among fans and pundits vary on who truly holds this title, 2023 World Champion Max Verstappen offered his perspective on the matter.

Verstappen on best drivers lineup

During the post-race press conference after his victory at the Qatar Grand Prix, Verstappen was asked to share his thoughts on which team had the best driver lineup after Red Bull. As reported by WTF1, the 26-year-old champion endorsed Zak Brown's McLaren, stating,

"I do think that as a team, they are probably the most consistent, compared to the others behind us. And I do think they have the best driver lineup out of all of them.
"So yeah, they are operating really well. And, yeah, it's going to be interesting to the end of the year, but also, I think, the start of next year to see where everyone is at."

McLaren has made significant strides this season, with both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri securing seven podium finishes between them – five for Norris and two for Piastri. If there is anyone capable of challenging Verstappen at present, it appears to be these two McLaren drivers.

Verstappen hits out at Hamilton

Sports Brief also reported that the animosity between Hamilton and Max Verstappen, which stems from the 2021 Formula season, keeps growing following the Mercedes driver's recent comments on his Red Bull rival.

Hamilton had initially cast doubts over the achievements and records of the Dutch driver in an interview ahead of the Italian Grand Prix in Monza.

Verstappen has now responded to the claim of the seven-time champion in the cheekiest of manners.

Authors
Ero Samson photo
Ero Samson
Samson Ero is a sports journalist with a track record of over five years in the Nigerian media industry. He graduated from Nigerian Institute of Journalism (2021-2023).
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