Jenson Button says the 2023 F1 season won't necessarily be acakewalk for Red Bull and Max Verstappen, despite the Dutchman's dominant winin the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix last weekend. The 2009 World Champion also hailed the quality of on-trackaction at Sakhir, highlighting the battle between Lewis Hamilton and FernandoAlonso as they jostled for third position on laps 37 and 38. "It looked like a relatively easy race, especially for Max," Buttonwas quoted as saying by Motorsport.com . "But I have to say, forgetting who won the race, it was a greatrace. It was too easy for Max, but the race itself was great. "I loved the action. To see to multiple World Champions going atit, Lewis and Fernando, it was pretty special."
Why Bahrain could be an outlier
Button added that the dominant nature of Red Bull's victory mayhave been in part down to the unique characteristics of the BahrainInternational Circuit, which also served as F1’s pre-season testing venue, andadded that he expected to see closer racing as the 2023 season progresses. "I know that a lot of drivers have said, 'well, it's going to bean easy championship for Red Bull and Max'," said Button. "But how can you say that? We've only tested at one track, we'veonly raced at one track. "And we all know that Bahrain is very unique in the way that thecars work there. It's a heavy braking, traction circuit, it's not so much abouthigh-speed. "I think we'll understand a bit moreafter Saudi, which is more of a fast-flowing track, and also when we get theEuropean races. "So no, it's not a walk in the park for Red Bull and Max. It's agreat start to the season, and very different to what they had last year. But Istill think we're going to have some very, very close fights. "And I don't think it's going to be a straightforward win forRed Bull and Max. But I loved the first race. I thought it was action-packedand that's what I look for."
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