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Webber sees Verstappen as Hamilton's lone challenger in 2020

Mark Webber says the fight for the 2020 title will pin Lewis Hamilton against Max Verstappen, the former F1 driver dismissing a challenge from Ferrari.

Verstappen won three races last year and finished third in the 2019 drivers' standings behind a dominant Hamilton and his Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas.

But a Red Bull Racing RB16 that should be quite competitive in Austria - where Verstappen won last season - and in Hungary could give the Dutchman an edge with which to build his title bid. And that would bode well for the 22-year-old title chances.

Webber sees no point in Alonso returning to F1

"I think it’s between him and Lewis," Webber told Dutch program Ziggo Sport. "I don’t see anyone else at the party to be honest.

"Ferrari won’t be there this year. I don’t see anyone else that can take it to Lewis. So it has to be Max."

But Webber admits there's a prerequisite for Verstappen to give Hamilton a proper run for his money. The Aussie has no doubts that Red Bull can deliver a competitive car to their star driver but insists Honda will need to hold up its end of the bargain.

"I have faith in Milton Keynes, in their aerodynamics and how they operate as a team," said Webber who raced for RBR for seven seasons.

"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."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.