Mark Webber, the former Red Bull Racing driver turned commentator, has delivered a passionate defense of Max Verstappen's place in Formula 1, insisting the sport simply cannot afford to lose its reigning four-time world champion.
Speaking to RacingNews365, Webber made it clear that Verstappen's presence elevates the entire grid. He drew a compelling parallel to tennis, comparing the Dutchman's impact to the legendary rivalry between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. According to Webber, every great sport needs a figure who pushes competitors to their absolute limits, and Verstappen has filled that role for years.
"People turn on their television specifically to watch Max Verstappen race," Webber explained. He noted that Liberty Media, the commercial rights holder of Formula 1, fully understands this reality, as do the teams competing in the championship. Verstappen is not just another driver on the grid — he is a central draw for audiences worldwide.
Webber acknowledged that Verstappen has earned the right to make his own decisions about his future. With an impressive collection of world titles and consistently outstanding performances season after season, the Red Bull star has proven everything he needs to prove. However, Webber was careful to clarify that he is not suggesting Verstappen has lost motivation. Rather, he pointed out that when external incentives diminish, even the greatest champions may reassess their options.
The Australian, who now manages McLaren driver Oscar Piastri, admitted his personal bias but stressed that from a purely sporting perspective, Verstappen remaining in Formula 1 is vital. He emphasized that Verstappen's presence raises the performance level of every driver in the paddock, which is fundamentally what elite competition is all about.
Webber's comments come at a time when Verstappen has been openly critical of the 2026 technical regulations. The Dutch driver has repeatedly hinted that he could walk away from the championship, and even Red Bull's improved showing with the RB22 at the Miami Grand Prix has not shifted his stance on the matter.
The situation places Red Bull in a delicate position. While the team naturally wants to retain its star driver, the broader question of Verstappen's long-term commitment to Formula 1 remains unresolved. For now, the paddock waits to see whether the sport's most dominant force will continue to keep his rivals awake at night.
Based on reporting from Чемпионат.com.