After the fascinating and controversial conclusion to the 2021 Formula 1 season, the 2022 season was a bit of a let down in terms of competitiveness.

It, of course, still had its highlights and its controversies, but it became clear very early on that Max Verstappen was going to run away with the title.

By the end of the season, he had amassed 454 points, nearly 150 points more than Charles Leclerc in second. It was also 214 points more than Lewis Hamilton, who had battled Verstappen for the title in the previous year.

Now, ahead of the 2023 season that begins on March 5 in Bahrain, Verstappen has had his say on some of the potential challengers to himself and Red Bull.

Max Verstappen on who is a threat for 2023

During his conversation with a reporter, a number of names were mentioned such as record championship winner Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes, Charles Leclerc of Ferrari, Lando Norris of McLaren and George Russell, also of Mercedes.

“If everything is equal, we don’t now how good the cars are but on pure driving terms, is Lewis Hamilton still very much in that mix, as dangerous a threat to you as others?” asked the reporter.

"Of course he is, he's been one of the greatest drivers ever in the sport... so for sure if he has the car to do it, he can fight for the title again, but it's the same for George, it’s the same for Charles, it’s the same for Lando. If you give them a car that's capable of winning a championship, they can," said Verstappen.

Video: Verstappen's response to is Hamilton a threat?

Going into the season, Verstappen will naturally be confident of winning a third title in succession; especially given the dominance shown by Red Bull last season.

Like Verstappen said, though, much of who will win the championship comes down to who has the best car, and as we head towards the new season, it still remains to be seen how changes made by the various teams will affect their chances of challenging for the title.

Verstappen, of course, remains the clear favourite, but should the likes of Mercedes make changes that bring their cars back up to the level of Red Bull, then we could see another entertaining fight for the title.

Neutral fans of the sport will certainly be hoping for this as a title race involving many parties with lots of twists and turns is one of the best things sport has to offer.

This is especially true when it involves vehicles moving at over 200mph around tight corners where the slightest error in judgement can leave you out of a race.

You can find all of the latest F1 news and rumours right here.