Why Newey expects 'tough' challenge from Mercedes in 2023

Adrian Newey is expecting Red Bull to face a "tough" challenge from Mercedes as well as Ferrari in the 2023 F1 season.

The 2022 campaign proved to be a difficult one for the Silver Arrows, with the team battling car issues such as porpoising on their W13, while Ferrari looked to have the edge at the start of the year before losing momentum as the calendar progressed.

Red Bull, meanwhile, enjoyed an increasingly dominant season; Max Verstappen wrapped up his second Drivers' Championship in Japan with four races to spare, while the team secured the Constructors' crown at the following Grand Prix in Austin.

Despite having this momentum, Newey does not believe that maintaining this success will be easy for the team in 2023.

Can Red Bull top their 2022 success?

When asked at a Red Bull demo run in Milton Keynes whether the squad could top their 2022 achievements next season, Newey suggested that there was still room for improvement.

"The high point almost is reflecting on it," he told Viaplay.

"It's going to be difficult to top this year. It's been such a good year in the end.

"It's just the attitude always amongst ourselves internally [that] we've just got to critique the car – there were a few bits we weren't quite happy with, [we'll] try to improve those – do our usual winter development, and see where we are next year."

Newey believes that there will be a challenge from both Ferrari and Mercedes in 2023.

"For sure, it will be a very strong competition," Red Bull's Chief Technical Officer added.

"Ferrari will be strong again, Mercedes I'm sure will have recovered from their slightly awkward season, so it will be tough."