06 February 2023 , 14:33
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Max Verstappen has warned F1 rival Lewis Hamilton that his dominant Red Bull team can perform even better next season ahead of a possible renewed title battle.
Verstappen and Hamilton had one of the sport's great rivalries in 2021 as the Dutchman edged his Mercedes nemesis to the most controversial of World Championship victories in an Abu Dhabi last-lap showdown.
But there was a chasm between the two drivers last year as Verstappen defended his title at a canter, while seven-time world champion Hamilton endured a miserable winless season.
Hamilton will hope Mercedes' troubles were merely an aberration as the Silver Arrows failed to adjust the sport's all new technical regulations last season. And there is optimism within F1 that the Brit's explosive rivalry with Verstappen could be reigned when the hotly-anticipated new campaign gets under way in Bahrain next month.
Verstappen, who sealed a record 15 race wins last season, was in a relaxed mood as Red Bull unveiled their car for the 2023 season. "In the interests of the sport, you always want the teams to be super close," he said when quizzed on a possible second title battle with Hamilton.
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"I do think that it was already quite close last year but as a team we executed a lot of things better than the others. That's why I guess the points gap was so big.
"I would still say we can do better, because in qualifying most of the time we were not even the quickest car. But for the sport, you know the general interest of course, everyone wants to have a title battle with multiple teams involved.
Mercedes are expected to bounce back this year (AFP via Getty Images)"And I have no issue with anyone. I mean, all the drivers also had that dinner in Abu Dhabi. We had a laugh with everyone, we all had a good time, so that's all okay."
When asked by Sky Sports if veteran Hamilton remains a "dangerous threat", Verstappen was unequivocal. “Of course he is, he’s one of the greatest drivers ever in the sport," he replied. “If he has the car to do it, he can fight for the title again.
“It’s the same for George [Russell], for Charles [Leclerc], it’s the same for Lando [Norris]. If you give them a car that’s capable of winning a championship, they can.”