Former F1 Driver Gives Out a Bold Statement, Claims Max Verstappen on Par With Lewis Hamilton

Former Red Bull driver, Mark Webber, considers Max Verstappen to be on par with Lewis Hamilton. The Dutchman has always been on the tail of the Knight; however, he has, at times, shown that he has what it takes to be on the same level as the seven-time world champion.

Webber believes that Verstappen can make a great partnership with Hamilton in the future. The duo are extremely talented drivers and would make a great team, if that ever comes to fruition.

Unfortunately, the Dutchman has a contract with Red Bull till 2024. However, there is a release clause in his contract that could see him part ways if the team doesn’t perform at the same level as him. Hamilton, on the other hand, has signed a one-year extension with Mercedes.

Webber knows that Max Verstappen is on the same level as Hamilton

In an interview with De Telegraaf, as quoted by Motorsport.com, he said, “Max is on par with Lewis.

“However, we do not know how this will progress in 23 races to be held. Lewis usually makes the right decisions at the right times. It’s easier to do this with the best tool, of course, but we should also appreciate it.

“Lewis and Max work wonders.”

Webber added, “Lewis is living the last parts of his career. Perhaps he will quit after this season, but I doubt that. After that, there will be Max and Leclerc. In terms of the future, we are in good hands.” (translated via Google)

The Dutchman doesn’t see himself lifting the title in 2021

The 23-year-old finished third in the driver’s championship last year while Bottas came second and Hamilton took home his seventh world title. While Red Bull performed wonderfully in preseason testing, Max remains realistic about the 2021 season and believes the odds aren’t in his favor for the upcoming championship.

The Red Bull prodigy said, “I don’t see myself as the favourite at all. If you have been so dominant in the last seven years and you have such a dominant car, even if you have the worst floor under your car, you are still good. So I still see Mercedes as the favourite.”

He added, “But it is also normal that they’re the favourites, isn’t it? For seven years in a row, they’ve won everything. So I don’t see myself as the favourite at all.”

In the form of Sergio Perez, Verstappen has a new teammate for the new season. The two are exceptional talents behind the wheel and Red Bull hopes they can overtake the Silver Arrows this season instead of chasing them all year.

What are your expectations for Red Bull in the upcoming championship? Let us know in the comments below.

Also Read: ‘There Are No Political Things’ – Perez Enjoying Alongside ‘Chill Guy’ Max Verstappen