F1: Max Verstappen warns title rivals he’s far from finished article ahead of 2023 season

Max Verstappen has warned his rivals that he is far from the finished article as he bids for a hat-trick of titles in 2023.

The Dutchman successfully defended his drivers’ championship last season in the most dominant display in Formula 1 history with a record 15 grand prix victories.

But the 25-year-old says he expects to be more improved when the new season gets under way in Bahrain next month.

He said: “My goal is growing and learning. My aim is just to be better again. We’re very optimistic again for this year and we’re going to try to defend that title. The first feelings have been really good.

“Last year was a very good test. I constantly try to improve myself because no one is perfect. You’re always improving and learning from life experiences but on track there’s always things you can do better. I’m always asking myself where I can do better and I’ll do that again this season.”

Verstappen won a thrilling head to head against Lewis Hamilton to lift his first world title at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2021.

He went on to dominate last season and said of the differing challenges: “Once I achieved that [first world title] a lot of pressure fell off my shoulders. Then it’s about trying to stay there which is even harder than getting there.”

As well as Verstappen’s second drivers’ title, Red Bull comfortably wrapped up the constructors’ championship for the first time in eight seasons last term.

And as the team unveiled their challenger for this season, the RB19, team principal Christian Horner said: “It’s going to be an incredible season. Our rivals haven’t stood still. We expect Ferrari to become competitive, Mercedes will be there.

“I think we’re in a good place and looking forward to carrying on that momentum from 2022. We hit a level that we haven’t previously. We’re going to have to be at the top of our game this year. The other teams are looking to come back at us after such a dominant season last season.”