Former Red Bull driver Mark Webber has outlined why it is “really important” that Formula 1 holds on to Max Verstappen, amid continuing speculation about the Dutchman’s future.
Verstappen has cut a glum figure since the start of 2026, struggling with both an underperforming RB22 and his own personal objection to the sport’s new power unit regulations.
The four-time World Champion has been honest about his interests outside of F1 for some time, having begun his extracarricular sportscar racing last year.
This has reached a new level of importance for Verstappen, with a place in the 24 Hours of Nurburgring now cemented in his diary.
The race’s date was moved to cater for Verstappen’s participation, underlining the clout that he brings to any form of racing.
And it’s for this reason that Webber, speaking to RacingNews365, highlighted the importance of Verstappen’s future in F1 being secured.
“Holistically, looking at the whole sport, when you’ve got someone like him, characters like Verstappen are what the sport needs,” he said. “We need these people.
“People switch on the TV because of Max Verstappen, and Liberty know that. Teams know that. He’s important.
“It’s really important that we keep Max in the sport, because he’s lifting every driver in the field, and that’s what Formula 1 is about. You have to be continually lifted.”
Webber, who retired from F1 in 2013, is now part of the management team of Verstappen’s 2025 title rival Oscar Piastri.
And whilst he naturally is carrying his best interests, Webber is clear on Verstappen remaining in F1, but admitted that his success has not only given him the breadth of additional racing opportunities, but should be free to explore them should he wish.
“I want Max to be in Formula 1, of course,” he said.
“But if the stimuli are decreasing for him, in conjunction with his experience, and I’m not saying for one minute he’s losing motivation, but, of course, it granularly drifts away, then he’s earned the right to make choices,” Webber said of Verstappen.
“He’s got an immense trophy cabinet, he’s delivered year in, year out, and that gives him choices.”
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