Mark Webber declares Max Verstappen as the “benchmark” for 2025 F1 season

Mark Webber believes that Max Verstappen will remain the driver to beat in the 2025 season despite Red Bull's evident struggles.

Mark Webber declares Max Verstappen as the “benchmark” for 2025 F1 season

Mark Webber (via Getty), Max Verstappen (via Red Bull)

Max Verstappen and Red Bull seem to be under pressure for the 2025 season. The Dutchman had mixed opinions on the RB20’s performance over the pre-season test. Regardless of Milton Keynes’ evident performance slump, Mark Webber labeled Verstappen as the ‘benchmark’ for the rivals.

Max Verstappen showcased his superior driving skills in the 2024 season after winning the driver’s title in a mediocre chassis. The Dutchman might face difficulties to win his fifth championship, largely due to Red Bull’s struggles. Mark Webber raised confidence in Verstappen’s ability to continue his streak.

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Webber labels Verstappen as the ‘benchmark’ for the rivals in the upcoming season. The Aussie pointed out that he watched the Dutchman’s ‘exceptional performance’ in the 2025 season in admiration. The 48-year-old recalled that the stellar victory in Brazil was the ‘final blow’ for the reigning world champion’s title chances in the previous season.

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Max is the benchmark. He had an exceptional season last year. I watched with admiration because he had a car that was clearly not always the best. Brazil was the final blow—that was beautiful to see. I looked at every sector and thought, “Wow.”

Mark Webber told RacingNews365

Mark Webber claims Max Verstappen’s performance ‘special to watch’

Max Verstappen kept up with performances despite Red Bull’s massive struggles in the previous season. Mark Webber believes that such performances are the true representatives of Formula 1. Webber was delighted to witness the Dutchman’s great performances in the pinnacle of motorsport. The Aussie concluded by coining Verstappen’s performances as ‘special’ to spectate for the fans.

Max Verstappen
Max Verstappen (via Motorsport.com)

That’s what F1 is all about—that every now and then, you see someone like Max achieve such great performances. That’s very special to watch.

Mark Webber noted

Red Bull must find massive ground in the 2025 season to contend for both championships. The playing field seems leveled now especially with multiple teams joining the title battle. Verstappen does not expect Milton Keynes to be the fastest team on the grid following the pre-season test. However, the Austrian constructor seems positive about improving their pace.