General
"Honda will determine the battle between Hamilton and Verstappen'
- GPblog.com
Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes secured to the world title last year without any threats. During the winter tests in Barcelona it looked like they will be the team to beat again this year. According to Mark Webber, there is only one other combination that can make Hamilton's life difficult in 2020.
"It will really be between him and Lewis," he says in 'Formula 1 Cafe' on Ziggo Sport. "I don't see anyone else who can be at that party. Ferrari won't be there this year. There is no one else who can handle Lewis at the moment but Max."
Webber does not doubt the qualities of the young Dutchman and also in his old team Red Bull Racing he has full confidence. According to him the competitiveness of Verstappen will mainly depend on the number of horsepower that can be supplied from Japan.
Honda will be decisive
"I have faith in Milton Keynes, in their aerodynamics and how they operate as a team. It's just a question of whether Honda will be able to take on Mercedes for an entire season. They [Mercedes] probably still have a bit more power, then you can also drive with more downforce and just make your life a little easier".
Webber adds how important Verstappen is not only for the excitement on the track, but also for Formula 1 as a whole. He gives a sold out weekend in Zandvoort as an example. According to the Australian it is very important that countries are behind their drivers en masse and he regrets that the Dutch Grand Prix will not take place this year.