With the commencement of the 2004 season, Red Bull Racing entered Formula 1 had managed to sign in some of the most skilled drivers on the grid, such as Sebastian Vettel, Max Verstappen, Sergio Perez, and Daniel Ricciardo among many others. One of them was Mark Webber, who drove for the team between 2007-2009, recently made a commentary on his desire to witness Verstappen win the upcoming race at Zandvoort.
Being part of the same team, Webber has high hopes for the Dutchman and said, “I think the world would like to see him win his home race [at Zandvoort]. To do the business there would be extraordinary. He should win that one and then he’s equal.” There was a reference made to German driver Vettel’s grand 9th consecutive win. There was a clear indication that the Aussie wishes Max breaks this longstanding record by taking home the winner’s trophy at the Dutch Grand Prix.
Mark Webber says the world wants to see Max Verstappen win at Zandvoort and equal Vettel’s 9 wins in a row record
“I think the world would like to see him win his home race. To do the business there would be extraordinary. He should win that one and then he’s equal.”
[@F1] #F1 pic.twitter.com/2x5U2lfZjk
— RBR Daily (@RBR_Daily) August 15, 2023
The remarkable supremacy Red Bull holds over the sport has also brought in a lot of speculations that the team may pull off a rare feat by winning every single race in the schedule. Discussions with regard to the potential weakening of excitement within Formula 1, which Lewis Hamilton has been talking about and was shut off effectively by many including the president of FIA, were also prompted by this spectacular run.
History of Mark Webber and Red Bull
Although short-lived, Webber’s association with the team dates back to the late-2000s when he was partnered with Sebastian Vettel. This was the time when the German driver was at the peak of his career, ruthless and skilled. The then-teammates had a similar way of competing as the current Red Bull drivers, which sparked multiple controversies and growing tensions within the team.
Red Bull
Mark Webber, Sebastian Vettel pic.twitter.com/PIZcbUSVgK
— Tom 🏴 (@LFCTom36) August 3, 2023
One of the most talked about events is the ‘Multi 21’ that happened during the Malaysian Grand Prix almost a decade ago. The drama began at the second race of the 2013 season, where Sebastian Vettel started from the pole and Mark Webber from position fourth. Both drivers were given orders to ease off and follow ‘Multi 21’ which needed them to keep their spots without contesting each other. But Vettel went on to defy the orders given to him and surpassed Webber to win the race.
Interestingly, a similar situation arose between the current Red Bull drivers at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix this year where Max Verstappen disobeyed the instructions given to him and went on to trail Sergio Perez. Regardless, the Dutch driver managed to bag a number of points for the team which eventually made up for his reckless behavior.