Red Bull Racing's Horner predicts biggest challengers to Max Verstappen in F1 2022 season

Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner has given his initial take on competitions reigning F1 Drivers' Champion Max Verstappen will face in 2022 season after first few days of testing.

This season starts with Bahrain Grand Prix on March 20, which is scheduled to take place after official pre-season testing that runs from March 10 to 12.

Red Bull's Horner predicts Max Verstappen's biggest challenger

While Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner expects Mercedes F1 to continue being his side's biggest contenders, he does see likes of Ferrari F1 and McLaren F1 stepping up this season. According to F1.com, Brit said, "You want to see best drivers in world, fighting wheel-to-wheel, and I think Ferrari could be in re this year. McLaren looking strong, so you might have a few candidates – and don't forget George Russell. I think he's going to be a key component in this championship, as well."

Russell made step up to Mercedes F1 this season after spending three successful seasons at Williams Racing. He will be seen partnering alongside seven-time Drivers' Champion Lewis Hamilton, who took title race down to wire last season before Max Verstappen pipped him for championship by winning season finale Abu Dhabi GP.

With Mercedes F1 w having two top drivers, y are undoubtedly likely to be strongest challengers to Red Bull Racing and Dutchman provided y can come up with a strong car this season.

Horner explains how Verstappen's F1 title win has energised team

In same interview, Christian Horner said, "I mean, sticking that number one on car after all pain that we went through last year,  fight that it was in 2021, and w fight is to make sure we retain it on car... it's just energised everyone in team. You can see a spring in everybody's step and it gives people confidence as well, which is such an important thing in any sport – which is to t have arrogance, but confidence – and I think that runs through organisation."

Speaking of how ir F1 testing has been so far, Red Bull Racing team principal said, "Yes, so far it's great to be back on track – se new cars are very, very different, so it's sort of a 'get to kw you' process with this new car,  RB18, and so far,  feedback's been good. It's behaving as we expected and as our tools predicted. So, it's been an encouraging start."