Mark Webber Voices in the GOAT Debate Between Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher

In 2020, Lewis Hamilton will have a chance to equal Michael Schumacher’s world championships record. On that subject, former Red Bull driver Mark Webber believes that Hamilton can match and overtake Schumacher as one of F1’s all-time greats. The Australian suggested that the British superstar is technically cleaner than Schumacher.

Back in 2007, the man from Stevenage burst onto the scene as a rising star with McLaren. In his debut season, he finished second and lost his debut season by just one point.

The elusive title came in 2008, but McLaren failed to capitalise on their success. After a few fruitless years, Lewis Hamilton moved to Mercedes and their fortunes changed for the better, almost immediately. Ever since the dawn of the V6 Turbo Hybrid era, Mercedes F1 emerged as the team to beat.

Hamilton also made up for his missed opportunities with five more Drivers’ Championships. This indomitable run has put him second in the all-time list behind Schumacher.

Realistically, Hamilton has more than one season to equal and even beat the record. To make matters even better, he is locked in talks with Mercedes regarding a new contract beyond 2020.

Is Lewis Hamilton close to being considered the GOAT?

Mark Webber confessed that Lewis Hamilton is certainly on the list. Interestingly, he claimed that the Briton could even be greater than Schumacher.

Speaking to Speedcafe.com, Webber said, “Absolutely, no question about it. I think he’s more complete than Michael.”

“I think he went about those results in a technically cleaner executed way, just by the way of wheel-to-wheel combat and no real trickery in his contacts with the other drivers.”

“Clearly Michael is absolutely in there, he’s got all the records in terms of championships and race victories, but I’m confident that Lewis can give those a red hot go.”

As has been the case in the last few years, Mercedes is the team to beat. as the 2020 season kicks off in Australia. According to Webber, if Lewis Hamilton draws first blood with a win, it will boost his confidence.

The Australian former driver also confessed that, since Melbourne is the first race, it is a bit of a lottery. Especially in terms of preparations for the opening weekend.