2009 Formula 1 world champion Jenson Button believes the 2023 season will not be as easily won by Max Verstappen and Red Bull as many expect.
The Dutchman began his title defense with a dominant victory at the Bahrain Grand Prix, where team-mate Sergio Perez finished second. The new Aston Martin driver, Fernando Alonso, finished third at “Sakhir”, but he was 38.6 seconds behind the winner Verstappen.
“It looked like a very easy race, especially for Max,” said Button. – But I have to say that if we exclude the winner, the race was great. Yes, it was too easy for Max, but the race itself was good. I liked the action, there was a lot of it. To see two multiple champions go head-to-head, Lewis (Hamilton) and Fernando, was something special.
“I still think we’re going to have some very, very close fights.” 💬
Jenson Button doesn’t expect Max Verstappen to have it all his own way in 2023’s #F1 season, despite a dominant Bahrain win ⬇️https://t.co/CCMXNYGHDY
— Autosport (@autosport) March 10, 2023
“I know a lot of drivers said it would be an easy title for Max and Red Bull. But how can you say that? So far we’ve only been to one track for testing and racing. And we all know that Bahrain is a unique track for the cars to work on.”, he added
“I wouldn’t say the season will be a walk in the park for Red Bull and Max.” the Brit finished.