Speaking on Speedcafe's KTM Summer Grill, the nine-time grand prix winner likened the 21-year-old to fellow Australian Will Power, who has competed in Indy Car since 2008.

"He's certainly raw, in terms of his raw speed," Webber said.

"He reminds me of Will Power, actually. Will Power was always ballistically quick, always seems to be rough around the edges.

"He still admits to that, he's still just trying to finally polish himself up in terms of that last part of his profession, and I'm not critiquing in any way; I was still learning 'til we all put our helmets up.

ELSEWHERE IN SPORT

"But Will, [in terms of] street circuits and sort of getting out there, getting on a green track and getting going, and wheel-to-wheel combat, I mean, there's hardly anyone better, and I see a lot of that in Alex."

Hobart product Peroni, who won 2020's Peter Brock Medal, has raced in the Formula 3 championship for the past two seasons and recently signed with powerhouse team Carlin in the Indy Lights series, which acts as a direct feeder to Indy Car.

While Webber's comments were made before Peroni's shift was announced, the 42-time podium finisher hopes the Tasmanian can control his speed to succeed at the highest level.

"I like him a lot. Speed's not in question; it's just sort of the composure factor of putting the weekends together."