Max Verstappen rubs salt into Lewis Hamilton and Russell wounds with damning verdict

believes that it’s and never who’ve the strongest driver line-up on the grid in 2023, choosing and forward of and .

Mercedes presently occupy P2 within the Constructor Championship heading into the ultimate 5 rounds of the season and whereas their line-up is arguably the strongest on paper, Hamilton and Russell have had their justifiable share of on-track squabbles this yr, generally negatively impacting the group’s weekend. 

McLaren, however, have been largely drama-free with Norris and Piastri delivering the utmost from the MCL60 package deal with the younger duo posing essentially the most constant risk to Verstappen and Pink Bull because the British Grand Prix.

Talking concerning the McLaren duo, Verstappen stated: “I do assume that as a group they’re most likely essentially the most constant, in comparison with the others behind us.

“I do assume they’ve one of the best driver line-up out of all of them, so they’re working rather well. It should be attention-grabbing to the tip of the yr, but in addition I feel the beginning of subsequent yr to see the place everyone seems to be at.”

Nonetheless, whereas he has been impressed by the performances of Piastri and Norris this season, Verstappen wasn’t satisfied that the Woking-based group had the true tempo to problem him for victory in Qatar final outing.

Piastri managed to transform his dash shootout P1 award right into a dash race victory on Saturday in Qatar earlier than ending runner-up to Verstappen within the Grand Prix on the Sunday, crossing the road simply six seconds behind the reigning world champion.

“I do assume we had a bit extra tempo in hand if we actually wanted it however however, I do not wish to take something away from McLaren,” he defined. “They have been doing an amazing job and from us, we see that they’re getting nearer and nearer.

“So we’ve got to attempt to preserve a little bit of a niche. McLaren is making nice steps ahead all through the entire yr. From our facet, we’ll attempt to enhance slightly bit this yr, however in fact primarily for subsequent yr.”

McLaren maintain real hopes of difficult Pink Bull for each titles in 2024 if they will proceed their present upward trajectory and with such a secure and constant driver line-up, they’re certain to trigger their rivals issues.