Mark Webber Declares Max Verstappen the ‘Benchmark’ for the 2025 F1 Season, Pointing Out This Costly Mistake by Lewis Hamilton

As the Formula 1 world gears up for the highly anticipated 2025 season, former Red Bull driver Mark Webber has boldly declared Max Verstappen as the undisputed benchmark for the championship fight. According to Webber, the Dutchman’s dominance on the grid has set a new standard, and his unparalleled consistency leaves little room for challengers. However, Webber also pointed out a critical mistake by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton that could cost him dearly in the upcoming campaign.

Verstappen’s Reign of Dominance

Max Verstappen has been in relentless form over the past few seasons, securing multiple championship titles with Red Bull Racing. The 27-year-old driver has not only demonstrated raw speed but also an exceptional ability to manage races, strategize tire usage, and capitalize on his rivals’ weaknesses. His combination of aggression and precision has made him a formidable force on the grid, leaving even seasoned veterans struggling to keep up.

Webber, who has closely followed Verstappen’s career progression, believes the Dutchman’s performance has redefined what it means to be at the top in modern F1.

“Max is the reference now. If you’re not operating at his level, you’re already on the back foot. He’s got the consistency, the racecraft, and the confidence. He’s what every driver needs to measure themselves against,” Webber stated in a recent interview.

Lewis Hamilton’s Costly Mistake

While Verstappen continues to soar, Webber pointed out that Lewis Hamilton has made a crucial misstep that could hinder his ability to challenge for the 2025 title. The former Red Bull star highlighted Hamilton’s recent decision to leave Mercedes for Ferrari—a move that has sparked debate among fans and analysts alike.

Hamilton, who has spent over a decade with Mercedes, will be making the high-profile switch to Ferrari in 2025. While the move is seen as a fresh challenge for the Briton, Webber believes it may have been ill-timed. Ferrari has struggled with consistency over the years, often plagued by strategic blunders and reliability issues. Although the Italian outfit has shown flashes of brilliance, they have yet to provide a car capable of consistently outperforming Red Bull across an entire season.

“Ferrari is an iconic team, but they have their own challenges. Lewis is stepping into unfamiliar territory, and that comes with risks. If Ferrari doesn’t deliver a car capable of fighting Red Bull, he could find himself in a frustrating situation,” Webber explained.

The transition to a new team always comes with a learning curve, and with Verstappen operating at peak performance, Hamilton cannot afford a slow start to the season. Webber suggests that while Hamilton’s talent is undeniable, adjusting to a new car, a new team dynamic, and a new culture could put him at a disadvantage—especially against a Red Bull machine that has been consistently dominant.

The Red Bull vs. Ferrari Battle

The 2025 F1 season is shaping up to be an intense battle, with Red Bull looking to maintain their dominance and Ferrari aiming to dethrone them. With Verstappen already seen as the benchmark driver, the pressure is on Ferrari to provide Hamilton with a car that can compete.

Red Bull’s engineering prowess, led by Adrian Newey, has been the driving force behind their recent success. The RB-series cars have been aerodynamically superior, offering Verstappen the perfect platform to showcase his skills. Unless Ferrari makes significant strides in development, Hamilton could find himself trailing the reigning champion early in the season.

Webber also emphasized that Verstappen’s partnership with Red Bull gives him an inherent advantage over Hamilton.

“Max is settled. He knows his team, his engineers, and how to extract the maximum from the car. That level of familiarity is crucial in high-pressure situations,” Webber noted.

In contrast, Hamilton will need time to adapt to the Ferrari environment, something that may not be in his favor given Verstappen’s relentless pace.

Can Hamilton Prove Webber Wrong?

Despite Webber’s assessment, Hamilton has a history of defying expectations. The seven-time champion has overcome numerous challenges throughout his career, from intense title battles to periods of car disadvantage. If Ferrari delivers a competitive package and Hamilton quickly adapts, he could still pose a serious threat to Verstappen’s reign.

Hamilton’s experience and ability to extract the most from a car should not be underestimated. He has previously dominated teammates, outperformed rivals, and executed brilliant race strategies to clinch crucial victories. If anyone can challenge Verstappen’s dominance, it is Hamilton—provided Ferrari gives him the tools to do so.

The Road to 2025: What to Expect

With the 2025 season fast approaching, all eyes will be on the development race between Red Bull and Ferrari. Verstappen enters the year as the clear favorite, but Hamilton’s move to Ferrari adds an intriguing dynamic to the championship battle.

If Red Bull maintains its advantage, Verstappen could cruise to another title, further cementing his legacy. However, if Ferrari can close the gap, Hamilton may have the opportunity to challenge for his eighth world championship—something that would rewrite F1 history.

Webber’s declaration of Verstappen as the ‘benchmark’ is a testament to the Dutchman’s dominance, but in Formula 1, nothing is guaranteed. The sport has seen dramatic shifts before, and with new regulations on the horizon, surprises could be in store.

One thing is certain: the 2025 F1 season is set to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, with Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton once again at the center of the battle for supremacy.