Mark Webber backs ‘phenomenal’ Max Verstappen to cruise to another F1 title

Max Verstappen is set to seal a second Formula One world championship in no short order, believes the former driver Mark Webber. The Dutch driver’s Red Bull team are firing on all cylinders and Webber, who won eight races with the team, is convinced they have a car and driver that is unmatched this season.

Verstappen won his first F1 title in 2021 and is already in a strong position this year. With nine races of a 22-race season complete he leads his Red Bull teammate Sergio Pérez by 46 points and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc by 49 points. With six wins, including five from the last six races, Webber predicted Verstappen would close out the championship comfortably.

“Red Bull will continue to dominate this championship,” he said. “They have a car that is very good on downforce levels, on all compounds of tyre. It’s like a tennis player on all surfaces or a golfer on all holes, short, long, chipping, putting, driving, the Red Bull can do everything. Red Bull have pretty much an answer for anything at the moment, Max could wrap it up with three races to go.”

Webber drove for Red Bull between 2007 and 2013, including the period alongside Sebastian Vettel when the team won four consecutive drivers’ and constructors’ titles. He went on to drive for Porsche in the World Endurance Championship, which he won alongside Timo Bernhard and Brendon Hartley in 2015. The 45-year-old was speaking at the launch of the new Porsche 963, unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, with which the marque will return to the top category of sportscar racing next season, including their attempt to secure a 20th win at the Le Mans 24 Hours.

The Australian was no stranger to team orders while at Red Bull and the team have been clear they will favour