Here’s the latest I can share based on recent reporting.
- Mark Webber has argued that Formula 1 cannot afford to lose Max Verstappen, stressing his global appeal and the way his presence keeps teams and drivers on their toes. This view has circulated as Verstappen’s situation with teams and schedule remains high-profile.[7]
- Webber has also framed Verstappen as a benchmark who pushes the entire field to improve, likening the dynamic to intense rivalries in other sports. This perspective emphasizes continuity and competition as key for F1’s health.[1]
- Separately, coverage around May 2026 highlighted Webber’s caution that if Verstappen were to depart, it could have material negative implications for audience engagement and the sport’s marketability.[9][7]
If you’d like, I can pull the exact quotes or summarize reactions from specific outlets (e.g., read Motorsport, GP articles, or ESPN coverage) and provide direct quotes. I can also look for any recent statements from Verstappen or Red Bull that shape the context of Webber’s comments. Would you like a deeper dive with quotes and source links?[1][7][9]
Sources
Webber compares Max Verstappen to Nadal and Federer, warning F1 must keep its four-time champion racing to maintain its global appeal.
readmotorsport.comMark Webber appeared furious after qualifying for the British Grand Prix. The team brought only two examples of the new front wing to Silverstone, and Sebastian Vettel's wing failed during Saturday practice. The team therefore chose to remove the new wing from W's car
f1grandprix.motorionline.comFormer Red Bull driver Mark Webber has described Max Verstappen as being "a bit flaky" this season, saying he'd like to see him "on the road" a bit more.
www.espn.com.auMark Webber says Max Verstappen can be stopped, but chances are only his own RB19's reliability can do that.
www.planetf1.comLees hier het laatste nieuws over Mark Webber. Betrouwbaar, gedetailleerd en altijd up to date.
nl.motorsport.comMark Webber has been forced to apologise for disparaging remarks about his Red Bull team following his win in the British Grand Prix on Sunday.
www.abc.net.aumark webber is at the center of Formula 1’s latest exit debate after Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the sport would keep going if Max Verstappen walked away. The FIA president addressed the rumours during the Miami Grand Prix weekend and framed Verstappen’s frustrations as part of a wider cycle for winni…
www.el-balad.comFormer Formula 1 driver Mark Webber believes Max Verstappen is too important to the sport to walk away. According to the Australian, the Dutchman’s presence not only attracts fans around the world, but also keeps his rivals under constant pressure.
www.news.gp