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Max Verstappen is not convinced 2022 will be a repeat of 2021 and a straight fight between himself and Lewis Hamilton for glory.

Instead, the World Champion can see Ferrari building on their promising pre-season and getting into the mix for race wins and potentially even titles.

Verstappen and Hamilton were in a class of their own last year with 19 of the 22 grand prix victories between them. Valtteri Bottas, who finished third in the Drivers’ standings, ended up a massive 161.5 points behind his then Mercedes team-mate, Hamilton.

But with the new season has come heavily revised regulations, designed to tighten up the field. As all of the cars are brand new, there have been suggestions other teams could catch up on Mercedes and Red Bull, who had to retain some focus on their 2021 battle rather than pitching all their development focus forwards.

Ferrari look the constructor most likely to have made a significant leap, based on their consistency near the top of the leaderboard during pre-season testing so far.

That has not gone unnoticed by Verstappen.

Asked if Hamilton will be the one to beat again this year, the Dutchman told Sky Germany: “I don’t think so. Ferrari also look strong this year, at least now in the