Former Formula One driver Mark Webber believes that compatriot Daniel Ricciardo "has more composure" than Max Verstappen and will hold the upper hand next season.
Red Bull enter the season with hopes that they will give their drivers a car to challenge Mercedes for both world titles. A hefty chunk of the new regulations is focused on aerodynamics, an area which Red Bull have always been strong in.
Webber thinks it will be very close between the pair but puts his fellow Aussie ahead of the young Dutchman.
"It will be tight, as it was at the end of last year," said Webber, when asked about the Red Bull drivers' battle. "I think Daniel still has more composure. Obviously that experience will be very useful for him, particularly in the early part of the championship.
"When you've seen more regulation [changes], like he has done, driven different types of cars, that's an advantage for him. It's going to be a good battle there. But the composure side is a big plus for Daniel. He's got plenty of fire too, but it's all about putting the weekends together. Max is still learning, with that unbelievable talent."
Ricciardo and Verstappen have already shown their team that they are capable of fighting hard but fair. In last year's Malaysian Grand Prix, they where side by side through fast sections of track, with Ricciardo going on to win the race.
Fergal Walsh
Replies (7)
Login to replyWorld Traveller
Posts: 678
Mhhh, in Brazil i've seen the real different between Daniel and Max....
Kevin
Posts: 5,332
They are both WC material, but Ricciardo is more consistent in my opinion. That alone will give him the edge, even though Max might have more magic moments.
mclarenfan1968
Posts: 1,027
Pfft Ricciardo is vastly better this is a no-contest, he was robbed of two wins purely through SCD lottery that said I dont sympathize with Ricciardo for him losing those two wins, he stole two wins from Vettel when they were together so it's all fair on balance. Gotta get a dose of the same bad luck when one benefits at other times.
boudy
Posts: 1,168
@MCLARENFAN1968
Not sure if "vastly better" is the general consensus. You can always pick holes in race strategies. For me Ferrari underperformed on that area, they should have at least won a race last year. Ricciardo was unlucky during the stages however every driver has this during the year.
mclarenfan1968
Posts: 1,027
Not talking about Vettel and Ferrari, am talking Vettel at RBR along side Ricciardo.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Im agreeing with Kevin on that Ricciardo is far more consistent. A battle between the two might be something to look forward to this year.
Vet5
Posts: 225
1 race makes no difference, some drivers are good in wet weather, Hamilton is supposed to be a good driver in the rain and we have seen him crash out a few times in the past. Ricciardo is definately an all rounder though, Max is too rational, but this is just my opinion