F1 News: Max Verstappen Predicts Closer Racing Next Season - "People Are Learning A Lot"

The 2023 world champion made some realistic claims.

Max Verstappen and Red Bull achieved their most successful Formula 1 season to date, courtesy of the overwhelming dominance of the RB19. However, the three-time world champion acknowledges the challenges of replicating such success in the upcoming year.

Verstappen showcased dominance throughout this year's campaign, securing his third F1 title with victories in 19 out of the 22 races held. Finishing the season with an 86% win ratio, he achieved the highest winning percentage in the history of Formula 1. 

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Red Bull faced defeat only once throughout the season, as Sergio Perez secured two victories, while Ferrari emerged victorious at the Singapore Grand Prix. However, anticipating increased competition in the 2024 Formula 1 season, the Dutchman acknowledges a naturally tighter grid next year. He told RacingNews365.com:

“Realistically, it can't be much better than what we have achieved.

“But I think it's not always about trying to win 20 races, it's also about just trying to find improvements within yourself and within the car.

“If that means actually we have improved the car and we can fight for the championship again but only win 10 races, that's also fine.

“The competition around us has been quite up and down, one weekend it's this team and the other week, it's another team.

“So I expect next year, people are learning a lot with this new regulation as well, that naturally [the field] will be quite a bit closer.”

Verstappen added that the aim wasn't to break all the records but to do the best every race weekend and enjoy it. He concluded:

“This season we won a lot as a team, but also it's been really enjoyable to work with everyone inside the team. 

“Of course, once you're winning a few in a row, you want to keep that momentum going and the pressure is always on, you always want to do well.

“It was never about trying to break all these kind of records, [I was] just trying to do the best I could every single race weekend and enjoy it as well.

“You know these kind of great moments, they don't come along that often as well. It was a very, very good year.”