Max Verstappen mentioned that he'll be keeping an eye on McLaren as the new F1 season approaches, stating that their progress throughout 2023 was the "most impressive" among Red Bull's rivals.
Despite McLaren being without points in the first two races last year, a technical reshuffle and a significant mid-season upgrade package propelled Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri into podium contention, almost securing a victory.
Considering McLaren's impressive rate of progress and competitive end to the previous campaign, the reigning triple world champion believed there was potential for McLaren to be "very strong" at the start of 2024.
Reflecting on the past season and looking ahead to the next on Red Bull's Talking Bull podcast, Verstappen pointed out that his team was the only one consistent throughout the last year.
"We were the only team that was really consistent [in 2023]. Behind us, it was really up and down, one team second, then another team... That's where the battle was quite close behind us. It will all depend on how much they will improve in the winter time," he said.
Expressing his views on McLaren's performance, Verstappen said, "The one I think that was most impressive behind us from where they started to where they ended was definitely McLaren. It looks like they might be very strong next year."
Having won an astounding 19 out of 22 races last year, Verstappen also discussed his approach to the upcoming campaign as he aims for a third consecutive world title and to increase his championship tally to four.
"Every year is a little bit different," mentioned the Dutchman. "It also depends, of course, on how good the car is going to be. But I think you also just rely a lot on your experience; you've experienced already a lot in your career and in F1, and you know that if you want to fight for a championship, the most important thing is the car.
"Besides that, your performances need to be very consistent, and that's something you have to try and achieve again. Every single year is a new challenge to try and do that."
