MOTORSPORT: Webber stays at Red Bull

Mark Webber's not going to Ferrari; he's staying at Red Bull for a seventh season next year.

Mark Webber's staying with Red Bull Racing next year, as predicted here numerous times.

It's not so much the devil he knows rather than the devil he doesn't know [Ferrari] but more staying with the Red Bull that can make him world champion rather than the Prancing Horse, where he could be no more than the number two driver to Fernando Alonso.

Forget the traditionally perceived favouritism towards Vettel at Red Bull. It will give Webber every support if he's a chance to become champion this season or next.

The extension of the Australian veteran's Red Bull contract came within 48 hours of him winning the British Grand Prix.

That was his second win this season, the ninth of his career and it hoisted him to within 13 points of championship leader Alonso, the only other two-time GP winner this year.

It is testament to Webber's grit that he has come back so well this year after he looked to be on the slide last season, when he could not adapt to the new Pirelli tyres and won only won one GP - the season-ender which may have been "gifted" to him by Vettel and Red Bull.

Now he's not only dual world champion Alonso's main challenger, he's upstaging teammate Vettel, world champion the past two years.

Webber, who will turn 36 next month, said the decision to stick with Red Bull for a seventh season ultimately was easy.

"There were discussions with Ferrari [about replacing Brazilian Felipe Massa] but my decision was to stay here," he said.

"I've been with Red Bull Racing since 2007 and have achieved nine GP wins. I'm high on confidence at the moment and firing on all cylinders.

"I know the team well and I'm comfortable here. We have grown together over the years and it feels like absolutely the right thing to stay with Red Bull for another season. The team is constantly working hard to improve in all areas and we've shown that together we can win races," Webber stated.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said Webber's form had been mightily impressive in the first nine races of this season.

"There was a strong desire from both sides to continue the partnership," Horner said.

"It was a logical decision to extend our relationship."

While Webber appeared to be on the wane last season he still finished third in the world championship, as he had done in 2010 when he a title contender until the final round. As well as his nine GP wins, he's had 31 podiums and 10 pole positions with Red Bull.

Meanwhile, Ferrari has said it is in no hurry to decide on Alonso's teammate for next season. Massa's form has improved recently and, while still without a podium in ages, he may yet get another year with the Italian team until it deems Mexican Sergio Perez ready for its second seat. Perez already has Ferrari power behind him in his Sauber car.

Red Bull Mark Webber Q&A

Red Bull Racing published the following Mark Webber 'interview' with the announcement of Webber's re-signing

Was signing with Red Bull Racing for 2013 an easy decision?
Mark Webber:

In the end, yes it was. It’s been an interesting few months, but overall the continuity and desire for me to continue at Red Bull Racing was very strong. My main focus is on this year’s championship, which is very important. In addition it’s an amazing bunch of guys and girls at Red Bull Racing and I really, really like working with them. That has a huge effect on me and how I perform in the car and it helped me in my decision.

You mention the people, what else is it that you like about the Team and Red Bull?
MW:

Well, we have gone through plenty together here. We went from the days when Red Bull had not long owned the team to what it is now. The team really changed when we started to get successful, in terms of getting the balance right between being extremely professional on all fronts to still keeping that laid back and approachable attitude that the team still has within reason. It is just one nice big family now in many ways and we have grown so much. We’ve come a long way and I think it’s clear that I fit well here and that’s what I really like about it.

Were you tempted to think about moving elsewhere?
MW:

There were discussions with Ferrari, but my decision was to stay here.

What’s the benefit of staying with Red Bull Racing?
MW:

I virtually know everyone’s shoe size! I know everyone’s names, I know how everyone ticks and I know all the departments which is very, very important for a driver. There’s a whole raft of factors.

And how is working with the Team and with Sebastian (Vettel)?
MW: Very good. Obviously with Seb, we’ve worked very, very close together for a long period of time now. I think no-one would really have envisaged how long we have worked together, so that’s probably been a bit of a surprise. There are not many team-mates staying together for that long in Formula One, but it’s proved to be a successful partnership with both of us working very hard with the key technical members of the team. It’s been a potent operation. We’re still competitive when we hit the track, no question about it, especially in 2010 and this year. Last year there wasn’t much racing between Sebastian and I, but in 2009, 2010 and this year, there have been some great battles. That’s been enjoyable for the team, sometimes stressful too as it’s not easy for both of us to be at the front and I can understand that, as both of us are thinking about ourselves sometimes, but ultimately we know that we need to get the cars home and get the best results for us and the team.

Does it help to have contracts sorted earlier in the season?
MW:

Yes it does and that’s another reason to just get it to bed. I’ve been hearing different rumours and reasons for a long time now. At the end of the day I know everything that has been going on. You want to make sure your focus is clearly on driving the car and the guys that you’re working with. It’s important the team knows you’re 100 per cent with them, which, of course, I am.

Will 2013 be your last season in F1?
MW:

I’ve been asked this question for the past four years and my answer remains the same. It’s a results-based sport at the front of the grid so the future lies in my own hands. It’s down to me to deliver the on-track results.

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MOTORSPORT: Webber stays at Red Bull

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