Former Red Bull Formula 1 driver Mark Webber has tipped Daniel Ricciardo to have the edge over Max Verstappen in 2017.
Ricciardo and Verstappen became team-mates at Red Bull following the Dutch driver’s switch from Toro Rosso prior to last year’s Spanish Grand Prix.
During their spell as team-mates in 2016, it was Ricciardo who scored the most points and he finished third in the overall standings, with Verstappen in fifth.
Ricciardo is preparing to compete in his sixth full F1 season, while Verstappen will race in his third.
Webber believes Ricciardo’s experience will give him the advantage in 2017 as F1 introduces a number of rule changes.
"It will be tight, as it was at the end of last year," Webber is quoted saying by Autosport.
"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, and driven different types of cars, that's an advantage for him.
"It's going to be a good battle, 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."
Webber also tipped Red Bull to challenge Mercedes in 2017, saying his former team will be "very strong".
