Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has expressed confidence that Max Verstappen can defend his Formula 1 world title in 2023, despite the team's recent struggles.
Verstappen has won just two of the last nine races, and has seen his lead in the championship to Ferrari's Charles Leclerc cut to just 51 points. However, Horner believes that the Dutchman has the pace and the experience to see off the challenge from Leclerc and his Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz.
"We have no doubt that Max can defend his title," Horner told reporters in Qatar. "He's the best driver on the grid, and he's shown that time and time again. He's also got a great car underneath him, and we're confident that we can develop it further in the coming races."
Horner also pointed to the fact that Verstappen has a strong record in Qatar, having won the race there last year.
"Max loves racing in Qatar," Horner said. "He's won there before, and he knows the track well. We're hoping that he can put on a good show for the fans this weekend, and take a step closer to defending his title."
Verstappen's recent form
Verstappen's recent form has been a cause for concern for Red Bull fans. The Dutchman has won just two of the last nine races, and has seen his lead in the championship to Ferrari's Charles Leclerc cut to just 51 points.
However, Horner has dismissed any concerns about Verstappen's form, and believes that the Dutchman is simply going through a tough patch.
"Max is a young driver, and he's still learning," Horner said. "He's had a few mistakes recently, but he's also had some bad luck. I'm confident that he'll bounce back and start winning races again soon."
Red Bull's car development
Red Bull has been developing its car all season, and Horner is confident that the team can make further progress in the coming races.
"We've made some good progress with the car development in recent weeks," Horner said. "We're still not where we want to be, but we're getting closer. I'm confident that we can have a car that is capable of winning races at the end of the season."
Ferrari's challenge
Ferrari has posed a serious challenge to Red Bull this season, and Horner is expecting the Italian team to be strong in the remaining races.
"Ferrari is a very strong team," Horner said. "They have two great drivers in Leclerc and Sainz, and they have a very good car. We're going to have to be at our best to beat them."
Conclusion
Red Bull is confident that Max Verstappen can defend his Formula 1 world title in 2023, despite the team's recent struggles. Verstappen has the pace and the experience to see off the challenge from Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, and Red Bull is confident that it can develop its car further in the coming races.
Three key points
➣Red Bull is confident that Max Verstappen can defend his Formula 1 world title in 2023.
➣Verstappen has the pace and the experience to see off the challenge from Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz.
➣Red Bull is confident that it can develop its car further in the coming races.