Max Verstappen still considers Lewis Hamilton to be a rival for the 2023 Formula 1 title despite doubts over how competitive Mercedes will be.
While pre-season testing scarcely provides a clear picture of exactly how competitive each team is, it is still useful as a general yardstick. Using it, the general consensus is that Red Bull will start the season as very much the team to beat.
Most also agree that Mercedes look to be off the pace again. After a difficult 2022 season they would have hoped to be right back in a title fight at the earliest opportunity, though the feeling is the Silver Arrows could struggle to challenge.
