Berger points to Verstappen as favourite: 'Those are good reasons'

"The combination of Verstappen and Red Bull is strong, the team is stable, everyone in the team is confident and the regulations have not changed. Good reasons to still see Max as favourite for the world championship," Berger interjects to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Verstappen very complete

The former Formula 1 driver finds the fact that Verstappen never makes mistakes most impressive, as well as his unparalleled drive for success. "He is very experienced and mature, despite his young age, and he knows how best to deal with any situation on and off the track, whether it is strategy, politics or media relations, while being very approachable, which makes me like him."

Verstappen is part of a new generation of drivers who grew up with karting as well as the simulator. Drivers like Ayrton Senna, Stefan Belloff and Michael Schumacher only had access to a kart in their younger years. "Instead, Verstappen was able to develop other qualities and take driving perfection to the next level. His father and mother, both former drivers, did their bit by teaching him the tricks of the trade."

Verstappen won as many as 19 out of 22 races last year, thanks in part to the dominant RB19. "As a result, he did have it easy and could always keep the rest on a comfortable margin." Next season, Berger suspects Red Bull's lead will be smaller. "I expect Ferrari, McLaren and Mercedes to come closer in 2024."