Verstappen plans Lewis Hamilton return to action in 2023

What will be the scenario for the 2023 season? A first coronation of Charles Leclerc, a third title in a row for Max Verstappen…Or the eighth crown of Lewis Hamilton, establishing undivided domination over the queen discipline of motorsport?

If this last option was quickly aborted last year, Mercedes and its drivers spending more time understanding a delicate W13 than fighting for victories, the season which opened could take on the appearance of revenge between the Briton and the Dutchman.

A parameter that Verstappen has in mind: “ He's one of the greatest drivers in the sport, so of course if he has the car for it, he can challenge for a title again, declares the pilot on Sky Sports during the livery launch Red Bull for 2023, in New York. But it's the same thing for George Russell, for Charles Leclerc, for Lando Norris, he nuances. If you give them a car that can win a championship, they will. »

Among the three names mentioned by the pilot, none of them has yet unlocked their counter. And in his quest for a new title, Verstappen has a serious advantage over his young competitors: managing the pressure that a battle for a title represents. “ When you have the car, you also have the pressurehe observes. You can't afford any mistakes or, at a minimum, you can't afford big mistakes. But I think these boys, when they get this position, will be able to do it. They have the talent to »

Verstappen, proof by 3

For Red Bull, winning titles is a trademark. With another pilot with precocious talent, in the presence of Sebastian Vettel, the Austrian team achieved four in a row between 2010 and 2013. Verstappen's objective: to follow the same trajectory by winning a third title.

« My favorite number is three, laughs the one who wore the number 33 on his car, before swapping it for the champion's 1. Of course you always try to go after it, but I don't know if we'll be good enough, he admits. As a team, we believe in it, we are very motivated, galvanized by a very good year and we are working hard to try to achieve this goal. »

« All winter the engineers worked hard, and by the time I came back from my vacation, I did the same to get in the best shape possible, he adds. Once you're in the car, you know it's time and you have to perform. »

And the time to shine is approaching, with the first showdowns of the 2023 season taking place from the weekend of March 3 to 5 in Bahrain.

ALSO READ > Red Bull will run with different liveries in the United States in 2023