Mark Webber Q&A – 2014 and beyond
Following the announcement that Mark Webber has signed with Porsche to join their WEC and Le Mans 24 Hr team campaign in 2014 and beyond, www.markwebber.com asked him the burning questions:
Why have you made the decision to join Porsche in the WEC at the end of the season?
MW: The timing is perfect to join a fresh programme. It’s a sensational challenge and opportunity for my future to work with one of the most famous marques in motorsport.
How do you feel about returning to Le Mans after what happened in 1999?
MW: I accept that motor racing is dangerous but Le Mans is one of the most famous circuits in the world and to be honest, I still see it as unfinished business and I want to do well there. Le Mans can be cruel as we’ve just seen, but it’s incredibly rewarding and that’s part of the allure.
Did the events of the Malaysian GP (or other well documented inter-team incidents) influence your decision/make your mind up?
MW: No, I’ve had a personal plan and I’ve stuck to it. This is the next chapter.
Were you pressured or encouraged to leave RBR by the team or was it purely your decision?
MW: I never asked the team for more work but I’ve remained in touch with Dietrich Mateschitz over the last six to eight months and he’s been absolute quality for me. Going forward I will remain tightly inside the Red Bull family, working with the brand, and watching and supporting fellow Red Bull athletes push the boundaries.
You are one of the oldest drivers on the grid, has your age affected your driving and was this a consideration in your decision to leave?
MW: Of course you want to do your whole F1 career at the age of 25. Ask any sportsman or woman in their mid to late thirties and they will tell you that things don’t become any easier. That’s just a fact of professional sport.
Did you have options to stay in F1?
MW: Yes but since Formula One as a category wasn’t on my radar for 2014, they weren’t a consideration for me.
Will you rule out a return to F1 should another opportunity present itself in the future?
MW: I’d say it’s extremely unlikely, particularly given the new direction the category is going in. You would be out of touch very quickly.
Finally, what will miss about Formula One?
MW: I realise F1 is seen as the absolute pinnacle of motorsport and I’ve worked with some incredible people, in particular Adrian Newey. I’ve driven in some of the toughest and most challenging conditions and circuits, and against some incredible drivers which I’ll continue to do until the end of the year. Will I miss some of this? Yes, of course, but time doesn’t stand still for anyone and it’s time to move on to my next challenge.
Ends//
174 Comments
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Bob Wood
on June 27, 2013You’re a Top Bloke Mark! Porsche’s gain is F1’s loss. Just make sure you beat Seb at Silverstone . .
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Matt
on June 27, 2013I look forward to follwoing you to leman! thanks mark you are a true inspiration.
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Filip
on June 27, 2013I’m so sad to read this but I wish you luck. Thank you for all this years. It was pleasure watching you. Great driver and even better person. God luck Mark.
Thank you so much! -
Matt
on June 27, 2013Mega disappointed to hear you wont be on the F1 grid next year mate, but really happy for you moving to a very exciting new challenge. Thanks mate & best of luck for the rest of 2013!
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Shane Moore
on June 27, 2013Thanks for all the memories Mark. Nothing could beat listening to the Aussie anthem late on Sunday nights after another of your victories. All the best for the rest of this season and beyond.
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Steph French
on June 27, 2013I’m absolutely gutted that you’re leaving F1 but I know you’re making the best decisions for you. I’ll continue to support you through the WEC. Good luck for the rest of the F1 season.
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Rob Beaumont
on June 27, 2013Pleased you have joined the factory Porsche Team a race team with real racing and real tyres .
you have given me much enjoyment following an Aussie in F1 .I hope we Aussies can still follow your Le Mans career and hope it will be telecast all the best ,Rob -
Tracey Latto
on June 27, 2013Will miss your honesty in F1, a rare thing these days. All the best for Silverstone.
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Sreenath GK
on June 27, 2013I think i will miss you most of all in Formula1..Webby!!!
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Jamie McWhir
on June 27, 2013Best of luck in your new endeavour mate. A legend as a driver and a bloke!
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Robert Jennings
on June 27, 2013You are an important element in the development of the importance of sportscar racing. Good luck for the future.
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John Sciarra
on June 27, 2013Well done on the fantastic work you have done to help develop Red Bull Racing and on your achievements in F1. Its a shame that Helmut has such a big say in what happens in the team, you never stood a chance with him calling the shots and clearly favouring Seb. In any other team you would have had the full support of your team mate in 2010 to win the championship, its just incredible luck that Helmut conspired attempts to scuttle your championship paid off and history will not condemn what he did to you. Anyway, you will be missed, lets hope another Aussie can take your place, best wishes at Porsche.
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brian murray
on June 27, 2013I hope this new venture brings you every success. probably wont get much TV coverage here in AUS tho.
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Brett
on June 27, 2013You did your best that’s all we asked proud to be austrailian
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Burgs05
on June 27, 2013Love how you sound so committed to you decision. It shows you believe 100% I your direction. Wish I could make a big decision with your confidence.
Good luck mate, will miss not having the same coverage of your new category in oz. -
MiCk
on June 27, 2013You don’t have to be the winner to be a champion.
Thanks Mark for taking Australia to F1. -
David Farmer
on June 27, 2013Mark, as a young boy i watched your first race in Australia for minardi, watching that not only instantly made me a fan of yourself, but also Formula 1 and motorsport in its entirety! I would like to thank you for that and i wish you all the best in the future! You make all of Australia proud, give them hell for the rest of the season mate 😉
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Nadia
on June 27, 2013Best of luck in your new challenge. I’m sure you will shine there.
You will be very missed in f1. -
Simon "The Car Man" Haddon
on June 27, 2013Hi Mark, sorry to see you go but thanks for all the fantastic memories mate for me and my family on and off the track. Pleasure to say I “raced” against you! Maybe see you in France next year, Regards, Simon, Sally, Stirling & Wednesday
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Diogo Sérgio
on June 27, 2013Good luck in your next chapter! It was a pleasure watching you drive in F1, and i’m sure it will continue to be in the LMP1 😉
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TheMadMin
on June 27, 2013Sad to see you go mate. Still, if you’re gonna go anywhere, you couldn’t have picked a better series or team! Porsche will be all the better with you leading the way.. All the best Mark.
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Lokesh
on June 27, 2013will be missed a true gentleman & legend of the sport.this is the worst news f1 fans wanted to hear. 🙁
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wendzinski
on June 27, 2013You go be lacking to many fans.Thanks for all these years in F1. Enjoy your new challenge
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Paul
on June 27, 2013Good luck Mark. Really enjoyed watching your efforts. One less reason to follow F1 and 1 more to follow WEC. Watched a lot of Le Mans on Foxtel and am hoping they show more WEC. Hope you finish the year on a high.
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Malene, Denmark
on June 27, 2013Certainly you will our new hero at Le Mans 2014. Best wishes the rest of this season – looking forward seeing you on Spa in august 2013.
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David Atkinson
on June 27, 2013Sad to see you go mark you have been an inspiration to many Aussies and others with your no s__t attitude to the pinnacle of not just motorsport. All the best with your endeavours with Porsche. Dave
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Clem
on June 27, 2013Bloody sad to read you are leaving Mark F1 are losing a true sportsman.
Far too few left in the sport nowadays
Had the pleasure to see you win at Monaco and the no so nice KL bullsxxx
Would have loved to see you in the Ferrari next year but all the very best at Porsche next year
Will make the trip to brazil to see your farewell
All the best mate and make it 3 in silver stone -
Robert Bazina
on June 27, 2013Mark, it was a pleasure watching you race, you are the one who has given me the passion for F1, this great sport of Kings where less than a second makes the difference between winning and losing. One of the most intense and pressure sports of all time. I was there in Hungary in 2010 when you won that race & I could see that smile on your face when you over took seb. I was waiting for you to get your autograph, but you drove past in your get away car to my disappointment. You should have been crowned F1 champion that year, if it wasn’t for team orders & between you and me SEB is a little spoilt, no ethics [Site Manager Edit]. Thanks for all the great memories and late Sunday nights watching you drive, including qualifying on Saturdays. It’s been my life religiously for the past 5 years & for that I thank you as it has changed my life & enriched it, which was what i needed. You and F1 were the reason for my happiness and me meeting my wife to be at the 2010 Hungarian gran prix, where I have brought her back to Australia. Our song when we watch you is WEBBER, WEBBER, WEBBER oi oi oi. All the best for the remainder of the year & you will win silverstone and start your charge for this year.
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Dave Tett
on June 27, 2013Im absoloutely devastated! You can be sure I’ll be watching every WEC race though. Thanks for all the memories and best of luck with the rest of the season…. please beat the little German punk!
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Glenn
on June 27, 2013Smart man F1 is quickly becoming an sad sack series you have made the Best move at the perfect time WELL DONE…
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Greg
on June 27, 2013Happy for you Mark. You are a quality person. But, I will miss you in F1. On to LeMans!!!
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Floss
on June 28, 2013Sad to see you go, but an amazing opportunity for your next chapter. Top class driver and a gentleman off the track – F1 will be a poorer sport for you going
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Agnieszka
on June 28, 2013Mark, it’s sad new for Formula 1 fans, but we all understand your need for a change. You are a fantastic person first and foremost and whatever you take up in the future, you will do amazingly well. Still, quite a few Grand Prix this season and thus opportunities to prove how gifted a driver you are. All the best 🙂
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MelanieK
on June 28, 2013F1 will be diminished by your absence, Mark, but you will bring new fans, like me, to Motorsport. Best of luck for the future!!
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Ann Roberts
on June 28, 2013Absolutely devastated my favourite driver is leaving F1 but wish you the very best with Porsche. You’ve not always had the rub of the green but you never let that deter you and have come back stronger. Although I’m a Red Bull fan it is always MW first, RB second. Enjoy the rest of the season.
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Greg
on June 28, 2013As someone who followed your career from the Arrows days this is very sad news. You are a great loss to F1 Mark and a credit to your fellow aussie sportsmen/women in the way you have conducted yourself in some trying times. Will never forget your first podium and then race win and those that followed. But my highlight was cheering you from the Melbourne straight when you pulled off 5th in your Minardi debut. What a day – we went ballistic. Good luck in your next stage of life behind the wheel and of course for the rest of this season. Stick it up ’em at Silverstone!
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Angus Dobbie
on June 28, 2013It has been a pleasure watching your career Mark – I am an Aussie living in the US and I always feel extremely proud having you represent our country as a great sportsman and a true gentleman. “the best thing is he seems like such a good bloke” I like to say over here but of course they haven’t got a clue!
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NATALIA RINCON
on June 28, 2013not possible! please don’t go. F1 will not be the same without you, now could you prove yourself on another team, take the opportunity to give other teams! but if it’s really what you want can not resist.
wherever you go I will follow
I wish you well and thank you for your sympathy and giving me these wonderful years full of excitement
thanks for all, for the fotograph, for the autograph, and return your greeting in the presentation in Montmelo, you’re the best person and I really admire you,
I will save money to go to Le Mans!
Always yours shirt girl “webber forever”
kisses from Barcelona -
graham
on June 28, 2013I am an F1 fan from Liverpool and have never been lucky enough to see an F1 race live but have been glued to my tv for last 5 years watching it and you will be a massive loss to the sport. you are an extremely brave and unlucky driver and one of the nice guys.
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Tracey
on June 28, 2013Will miss seeing you in F!, but wish you all the very best in this and hope you find happiness and the rewards you deserve.
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Philip
on June 28, 2013It’s good to see you move on from a team that only favours the alledged No.1. Haven’t seen the other driver overtake at eau rouge…that’s real commitment for you.
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Mike, Boston, Massachusetts
on June 28, 2013You are a Sportsman, with a capital S
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elena amorelli
on June 28, 2013In a sport such as F1 character is a HUGE factor. You are the gentleman of F1. Always. Takes a real man to do that in F1 Not easy in such a sport. No one like you. Will watch you in La Mans, all the best, but you leaving F1 means it has been left to the animals, there is no longer an example to follow. But, that said,kick the crap out of seb at Silverstone. All the best of the best wishes. You are a true example of an athlete.
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Jill and Brian
on June 28, 2013Thank you Mark for all the years of pleasure you have given us in F1, it is certainly their loss and F1 has just lost a lot of fans – us included – all the very best in your new venture, we’ll be supporting you all the way. Good luck this weekend and the rest of the season and remember if it comes to it and you cannot win the title, I’m sure you wiil give Fernando a helping hand or ABV – anybody but Vettel. Good luck Mark.
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Steve
on June 28, 2013I don’t usually write on things like this – but I just wanted to say good luck and thank you.
You’ve been an inspiration and I’ll makes sure to keep up with your new career.
All the best Mark,
Steve
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Pippa
on June 28, 2013So sorry that you are leaving F1, although it has been expected, especially after the Malaysian GP. RBR has never supported you as you deserved. You are an amazing driver, and a true gentleman and top Aussie. Will miss you at F1, but will follow you in your new career. Wouldn’t it be ironic if you won the F1 championship after all this year. Not an impossibility. How I would laugh!!!!!
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Kathryn Hepplestone
on June 28, 2013I can’t say it won’t feel as if there’s something missing from F1 but what a fantastic new challenge ahead. Very best of luck, Mark.
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Matt Langley
on June 28, 2013Good luck in your new format.
It’s a real shame you missed out on the Driver’s Championship by a whisker a few years back (especially as you were carrying a broken foot, if I remember correctly).
But it does get harder as we get older and you are going out at the top of the grid and I’m sure F1 will celebrate you as you deserve. Enjoy.
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Me-Shell
on June 28, 2013Merci/ thank you monsieur Webber for the pure sportsmanship you demonstrated in the Circus of Speed branded as F1. Bon courage!
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Eddie Conroy
on June 28, 2013I look forward to watching you and Porsche at WEC, it will be a great combination. Sorry to see you go from F1.
Hope all goes well and good luck for the future. -
Tony P
on June 28, 2013Mark, you are a true champion. I’ve been a member of your Supporters Club since 1998, followed you before F1. Something I saw made me just have to support you. You’ve been dealt a rough hand a few times but always come back smiling & tougher than ever. Great F1 carreer but not quite what you deserve. My passion for F1 will not change however, that little bit extra that was always following & supporting you is now missing.
Now that this decision is off your mind, smash 2013 with a few wins.
Thank you so much for letting us watch such a great sportsman in action in a sport we love.
All the best with Porsche & I can see many wins with them.
Cheers -
Rod
on June 28, 2013Thanks Mark for the Joy you have given the masses at AUS. You were the reason we all had red eyes on the Monday mornings for work!
Best wishes in your next chapter, will be watching with interest! -
wassa
on June 28, 2013Really going to miss you mark, F1 for a while just wont be the same. Might have to change over and barrack for Alonso after you leave. Thanks for all those great races and hopefully the best is still coming your way this year. chears
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Potsey
on June 28, 2013Mate, it has been a thrill to watch you compete within F1, you have done a great job and you will be missed. All the best for the rest of season and your future plans (us aussies will just have to take a greater interest of Porsche and Le Mans. Want to see you on the top step spraying champagne again before you leave F1
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Aussie Mike
on June 28, 2013You can hold your head high Mark. You have done all Australians proud.
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Peter Hilton
on June 28, 2013I’m heart broken. And I’m going to miss you in F1. Thank you for the years of enjoyment watching you in F1, the heart break too! Would have love to see you win the title as all Australians would.
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allan
on June 28, 2013I am not directly a fan of MW, but I have to say that he is one classy athlete and a truly professional driver !
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Dan
on June 28, 2013Sad day for F1 when a true legend of the sport leaves. You have given us some inspired moments throughout your career, a proud Aussie icon of sport. All the best in your new career.
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Linden
on June 28, 2013thanks mark for 12 awesome years. your first f1 victory in 2009, and your subsequent reaction in the cockpit, is easily one of my most favourite sporting moments. go hard for the rest of the year.
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JOHN
on June 28, 2013Mark absolutely gutted to
hear the new quitting F1,will try and follow leMans f1 will not be the same,come on Daniel and Fernando! -
Craig Campbell - Melbourne
on June 28, 2013Mark, all the best when you join the new team. It would have been great to see you drive a Ferrari with your mate Alonso. Good luck for Silverstone !
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Toby Withers
on June 28, 2013We will miss you in F1 Mark, F1 needs more drivers who are honesty, have integrity and are true to themselves. You are a true gentleman Mark and we are proud to call you an Aussie. I iwll now have to follow Le Mans 🙂 Good luck and you retired like you raced, with humility and good grace. Cheers Toby
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Bernadette
on June 28, 2013Much <3 to you Mark.
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luke
on June 28, 2013could of thanked some of your aussie fans for following you over the years
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Ravi
on June 28, 2013I have been a fan of you since 2006 and i have watched every race of yours..loved your driving..everyone is going to miss you..
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Scott
on June 28, 2013Stay classy Mark. You will be missed in F1, but it’s loss is Le Mans gain. Just make sure you run Vettel off the track a few times before Brazil.
Good luck on the next chapter mate. -
Tyron
on June 28, 2013Congratulations on a great F1 career Mark, I have been watching you race since 98/99 and have enjoyed all of it. I hope you do well for the rest of the season and next year.
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Jenny Maly
on June 28, 2013You are the reason I watch F1, Mark. Now I will have to change my allegiance to Daniel instead. Good luck on this next phase of your career.
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Craig
on June 28, 2013Sad to see you leave F1, a respectful and true gentleman of the sport. All the best for the remainder of the season (nothing to loose now – go for the championship hardcore!) and look forward to watching you in the WEC series, especially Le Mans! 😀
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Karl Mathews
on June 28, 2013Congrats on your F1 career Mark. It was though for you at the start but you stuck to your guns and it payed off! Wish you all the best with Porsche and would love to see you come home and race in the V8’s some day!
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Grant B
on June 28, 2013Quote “Going forward I will remain tightly inside the Red Bull family, working with the brand, and watching and supporting fellow Red Bull athletes push the boundaries.” Righto then, Mark Weeber and Craig Lowndes in the Red Bull 888 Commodore at Bathurst in 2014! Come on Mark, do it!!!!! You know you want to!!
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Damo the Firey
on June 28, 2013Mark, congratulations on an amazing F1 career. I had the pleasure of meeting you at the 2002 Australian F1 GP and chatting with you and Allan Moffat while working at pit exit. You gave me a thumbs up each time you came out of the pits during practice and qualifying. You have always remained humble and a gentleman and have managed to achieve so much on and off the track since. So what if you did not manage a championship, you are a legend. All the best for your new gig with Porsche in the WEC.
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Mark Wright
on June 28, 2013It will be sad to see you go from F1 Mark. I know with all the emotion of F1, a lot of people think the rest are a pack of ******, though you and I know that is not true. Will still be behind Daniel and looking forward to having Mitch on the grid one day soon. Both those guys look up to you and deservedly so. Will watch WEC with more interest now.
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Marie
on June 28, 2013Its sad you never did win a championship. Its a shame your team and team mate never truly supported you! Well its their loss really. Good luck for your future with the enduros.
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scott
on June 28, 2013You will be missed by a lot of fans in F1 but we will be watching you in WEC and cheering you on. You have always been one of the nice guys in sport and inspiration to many.
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Chad
on June 28, 2013I know this season is not over-but thank you for everything you’ve represented for, and done for this country. You are truly an inspiration to all people! Lets hope we get to see the LMP1 broadcast here in Aus!! Thanks again mate!
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Scott Hewitt
on June 28, 2013Thanks to you Mark, for the way you’ve inspired young Aussies to live their dreams. Please keep up your support for Daniel R., he’ll only go higher with guys like yourself as mentors…
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Todd
on June 28, 2013Very sad news indeed. I have been going to Grands Prix for 12 years now and have always supported Mark. This year may be my last.
The sport will be losing a true gentleman and a great sportsman. Despite missing out on a World Championship I think Mark has been the victim of circumstance and not just a little in-team favouritism. He is easily the equal of any of the drivers out there on an average day and the best of them on a good day.
If you are reading, Mark. we will miss you Mark, me more than any.
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simon whittaker
on June 28, 2013g’day mark! hope you go well for the rest of the F1 season…look forward to seeing you at le mans….thanks for all the great racing and sportsmanship you’ve showed…it’s a sunny 11 degrees here in QBN! cheers simmo
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Peter Chrimes
on June 28, 2013I look forward to watching Porsche find the top step in the prototype class with you at the helm… Good Luck Mate!!!
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Ari Keramidas
on June 28, 2013Mark you are the reason I am now obsessed with formula 1. You are an inspiration and amazing racer. I wish you all the best for the rest of this year and your future racing career.
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rob
on June 28, 2013Thanks for the memories Mark glad I saw you race in Melbourne this year i love all the drama that comes with f1 and we were never short of that with you and vettel and rbr i think you guys really spiced up the sport and ultimately pushed each other to be the best drivers good decision at the right time best of luck for the rest of the season and for your future going to miss you mate
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Don
on June 28, 2013Good luck with your future in driving, what I believe are fabulous cars. Now I just have to figure out how to get to Le Mans as the tv in Australia is not real good on the GT Prototype car racing although Speed.com are getting there. I am sure you will do well with Porsche as you take with you an absolute wealth of knowledge when it comes to driving very quick cars. Stay safe Mark, those Porsch Le Mans cars are dam quick.
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Paul Galea
on June 28, 2013Thanks for the ride , wonder if you will drive a V8 Super Car
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Jay C
on June 28, 2013Now that you are leaving the team, when you are next in Canberra you can dump all your Red Bull gear at my place 🙂
I’m sure going to miss watching you in F1, Mark. You are always genuine and that is a rear thing, especially in a world class athlete. -
Pam Garnett
on June 28, 2013Thank you for making F1 so enjoyable to watch. You are true sportsman, gentleman and I’m proud to call you a fellow Australian.
All the very best for your future Mark.
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Kiwi Suz
on June 28, 2013Nicest guy in F1 – honest, frank and a top bloke!
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Catherine faulks
on June 28, 2013A real gentleman in a sport where there aren’t many. You’ve given so many fans a lot of pleasure over the years. Here’s to a gr8 weekend at silverstone and all the best for the future with Porsche.
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Adz
on June 28, 2013True grit mate
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Doug
on June 28, 2013Good luck Mark in the new car, will be following you still go ozzy from an ozzy
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Ryan
on June 28, 2013This is really tough for the fans but reading “Webberisms” such as “Time doesn’t stand still for anyone and it’s time to move on.” Kind of makes me feel better. Mark, you’ve always been an inspiration to me, and I will continue to be a loyal fan. It’s a privilege to see you race in F1 and it will be a pleasure to watch you in WEC.
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peter lavell
on June 28, 2013For many years now, my wife and I have followed you in F1. We live on the Sunshine Coast, QLD and we have travelled to Melbourne to support you 5 times at Albert Park. You have kept us up late at night, you have taught us to be diplomatic, we have shared your highs and lows.We’ve been mostly proud and have felt the extremes of emotion watching you race destroying your opponents in Monaco and Germany to having to put up with team mates game play. I have collected 25 Diecast Models of your F1 career and proudly display them in my home along with other memorabilia. Yes, its sad to say goodbye but we thank god you’ve been there proudly representing Australia throughout your career. Congratulations on your F1 career and your new appointment with Porsche. Thanks for the memories Mark.
Finally, my wife and I were at St Kilda Beach in 2012 when you were teaching Vettel how to play cricket. I was privileged to take some fantastic photos of this and alongside my other F1 photos, I would have to say that you have given more than your pound of flesh to the public and media.
Good luck Aussie Grit.
Peter and Leilani Lavell -
Rod
on June 28, 2013I will miss watching you as I have from the first year in F1. I think you will look back on the your time with RBR with pride almost winning the thing once or twice
I will watch anything with you in it from now on
Thanks mate
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Paula
on June 28, 2013Sad to hear that you are leaving F1, but I hope you find new challenges and happiness in this new stage of your life.
Huge admiration and love from Colombia! -
Patty
on June 28, 2013Sorry to hear that you are leaving F1 but not Red Bull. They showed too much favoritism. You deserve better. Good luck next year with the Porsche team. They are getting a great driver and a nice guy. Thank you for all the great races you gave us. Hope you win Silverstone. C u in Austin, TX.
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John
on June 28, 2013One of the last of the drivers that is a driver, not a limit talent billboard who is always on message. F1 will miss him. Sign up to Sky F1 as a pundit Mark and spend the weekends telling us truly what you think
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Ramon Puigoriol
on June 28, 2013Thanks for all Mark, you are the best for me!
THANKS!
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Adelaide Chap
on June 28, 2013Good Luck to you Mark!! Having worked on a few LMP1 cars the technology is superb, F1…pfft!! Go for it!
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Sandra & Roger
on June 28, 2013We have enjoyed watching you race F1. You are a true Professional in all that you do. We will miss seeing you race and hope that you are able to win some more races before the year end. Good Luck!
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Martin
on June 28, 2013Thanks for Years of great Racing and unforgottable memories Mark!
Tbh I was always afraid of the point you will retire from F1, but now I’m happy for you!
Looking forward to see you driving a Porsche -
Paul
on June 28, 2013F1 is losing a serious talent. The respect you get from the other drivers says it all to me. Seb is just another boring greedy Schumacher. You will always be the inspirational dude in my life! Enjoy the rest of your career Mark.
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Norma HOWELL
on June 28, 2013Will miss you in F1 Mark. Sending you good wishes for the future. Hope you will continue to live locally to me, I live in hope I will bump into you in Aylesbury!
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Byron C-F
on June 28, 2013Mark Webber, a great Aussie sportsman and a great Australian. Successful on the world stage whilst being true to himself. A wonderful ambassador for the sport and his country.
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Hilary
on June 28, 2013Sad sad news an incredible sportsman and a true gentleman with integrity and honor. RBR will feel the loss even if they won’t admit it. As far as i am concerned you were the No 1 driver & Vettel could have learnt a lot from you…. So I will still be screaming at my tv when you race, just in another kind of race. Good luck.
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laverne riches
on June 28, 2013sorry to see u leave formula one but un derstand your decision all the best in your new venture
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Charlie
on June 28, 2013I became interested in F1 through my other half a good few years ago and the first time I sat down to watch a race properly, I remember watching the grid walk and you being interviewed. From that moment, my support only sat with one driver. In a time when the sport has become political and drivers are pushing the boundaries further than maybe they should, I’ve never seen you refuse an interview, never heard you whine but have always taken responsibility for your mistakes as well as having the tenacity to speak your mind when warranted. It won’t be the same without you- true sportsman and gentleman and amazing driver! Thanks for the dance!
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Tony
on June 28, 2013Been there from the start, shared the highs and lows watching from Australia. Thanks for the memories. Hope you win a couple more GP’s. Looking on the bright side at least you’ll get a better company car!
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sam mccaughey
on June 28, 2013Have followed Mark Webber, since his televised drive in a formula ford at Bathurst in the rain many years ago, about three years before Paul Stoddart F1 drive, a special person, I know we all move on but will be missed
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David
on June 28, 2013Sorry to see you go Mark. At least you can concentrate on racing and not team politics. Thanks for the wonderful moments.
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Gav Daniel
on June 28, 2013Mark, from Formula Ford & Formula Holden to Formula 1 us Australian fans have always cheered you on. Hopefully a Le Mans race can be held in Australia one day. Congratulations on a fine F1 career, I look forward to your Porsche efforts.
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Denis Pregun
on June 28, 2013Mark been following you since your formula ford days in Australia in the yellow pages sponsorship. You have always been a honest and nobel statesman of the sport with so much respect given to you. are you going to keep the MW Arden thing going for the young boys. Looking forward to watching you on ESPN in the WEC next year. Good luck with this weekend and hope you win for a third time at Silverstone.
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stephen harvey
on June 28, 2013Mark,
absolute superstar,
That’s all the rides not over yet,
Wec here come the true grit aussies.Oh yea please kick vettles ass on the weekend thanks.
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Aaron
on June 28, 2013Mark, you are a terrific ambassador for Australia and your sport and so proud of everything you have achieved over your career. It’s always nice to see people leave at the top of their game with the respect and admiration , you left nothing in the tank and it’s a credit to you and your family for all the years of hard work. Good luck for the rest of this year and to better things at Porsche, I for one think F1 is a lot worse not having you on the grid in 2014. Cheers , Aaron
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Brigitte
on June 28, 2013I am very sad to see you go. F1 will not be the same without you!!
I wish you good luck in your new career… a sad fan :-(( -
Barry and Bella Nilan
on June 28, 2013Sad to hear your leaving f1 you have give isa and myself so much pleasure and wonderful memories during your time in f1 as has been mentioned you are a true sportsman and gentleman your integrity enspiring life goes on good luck in sport cars and life in genral hope we get to see your sport car races telecast in aussie from barry and bella perth wa
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Susie Hines
on June 28, 2013I read all these amzing comments about you with a lump in my throat. Thank you for making the world of F1 a better place. I wish you well in the next chapter. You are a true sportsman.
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jay
on June 28, 2013Dear Mark,
I doubt you will ever read this, but that is not going to stop me declaring you (and not just in my eyes) one of the true Great Champions of Motorsport.
It is just not good enough to take a podium place, you must be a leader off the grid, a gentleman,a positive role model, in every sense of the phrase, and in all those areas, and your great achievements in F1, against extraordinary odds, when you had to battle more than the other drivers in a race, but also outrageous prejudice against you within your own team, still you gave your all, you entertained millions the world over, and this sport shall be all the more poorer for your loss. However, we all look forward to seeing you in the delectable Porsche!!! -
Susan
on June 28, 2013Have followed you since LeMans 99 and all through your F1 and will follow you into your new challenge. Go for the top spot in your final yr at F1. You have done Australia proud with your integrity and your love for the sport. I am proud to be an Australian. Good luck with your future endeavours Mark xx
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Maria
on June 28, 2013Sad to see you leave F1. You are my favourite driver to watch. Your integrity and sportsmanship shows what a brilliant person you are. I hope we can see you race for Porche. Not only on Foxtel. Good luck for the rest of the year. Go get them.It would be great for you to go out on top.Can’t wait for Silverstone.
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Maria
on June 28, 2013Sorry to see you leave F1. You are the reason I became a rev head. (a 68year old at that), You have integrity and great sportsmanship. I hope free to air tv show the Porche races.
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avril drummond
on June 28, 2013All the best for the future Mark, will miss seeing you covered in champers on the podium though. might have to upgrade my tv package now to find you. F1 will suffer the loss of your honesty integrety and skill, no-one quite like you there.
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troy
on June 29, 2013Mark I have enjoyed watching your career from early on back in your formula Ford days, I cried with joy at the Australian gp first time out for minardi. I really do hope that doing Bathurst is on your life plan…. Good luck and don’t forget Australian motorsport needs people like you back here too…
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Mani Ananth
on June 29, 2013Will Micheal Schumacher return for one last time…last time? very very last time? what say?
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Mani Ananth
on June 29, 2013Mark who do u think shld replace you at RB
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Mani Ananth
on June 29, 2013Mark one more favor..can u pls crash into vettel on each of the next races so that that a$$&&@! does nt win the championship.I want hamilton to win.Thanks
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TRICKO
on June 29, 2013TOTALLY GUTTED!!!!!!!! only got into F1 cause of you and just a little hooked.we know u will do your best at whatever comes along best of luck.SUCH A NICE CHAP.lets kick ass for rest of season whats the worse can happen, the sack!!
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Brad
on June 29, 2013You’re a class act Mark, I’ll miss seeing you in F1. Best of luck with Porsche / Le Mans!
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Paul
on June 29, 2013Great Driver, Great Guy enough said, good luck mate.
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wendie street
on June 29, 2013How will I get my eye candy now? You were the only Australian I ever fancied. You will be missed by more than F1 fans.x
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Daz
on June 29, 2013#AussieGrit…
True to everything you have ever done. The grid will not be the same without you – testament to the fact of the well wishes from your peers.
Team before self. You will never be forgotten – but will be sorely missed.
May the experiences coming be as fulfilling to you as this has been to us. May your commitment to excellence and being the best be of benefit to those following in your footsteps in the F1 world.
Cheers. -
marco brouwer
on June 29, 2013I’ll miss you in F1 next year, as one of the few who speak their mind. On the other hand nobody is getting younger and you have to move on. Porsche will be a nice challenge and i’m looking forward to seeing you driving there. Thanks for always being an honest bloke.
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Keith
on June 29, 2013As a Pom I will be sorry to see you leave F1. Do us all a favour and run Vettel off the track in the remaining races. Good luck in your future career even if it now meens I will have to get Sky to follow you
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Robbie
on June 29, 2013Geez Wendie, you need to get out and meet more of us….
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Robbie
on June 29, 2013Oh, and of course, ‘Onya Mark… onward and upward
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Shirley Hastings
on June 29, 2013@ Wendy Street – Well said! <3 Mark Webber, and I'm a 'Kiwi"! Even taught my 12yr old Shi Tszu to 'sing' Waltzing Matida!
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Liam from AUSmotive
on June 29, 2013Great decision Mark, all the best. I reckon the most rewarding years of your career could still be ahead of you.
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Mags Condon
on June 29, 2013You will be missed. One of the few true sportsmen left in F1. Best of luck for the rest of the season and the rest of your career.
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formulafrontrow.com
on June 29, 2013Good luck Mark. Congrats on a fantastic F1 career. Have been cheering from the Brabham Stand since that stunning Minardi debut for 12 years now, and will still be cheering tonight for British GP quali and the rest of the season. Go get ’em. Well done. What chance Porsche doing Bathurst 12 Hr?
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Debs
on June 29, 2013Mark I thought you would leave and go to another team but didnt think you would leave F1 altogether. I think it is a great opportunity for you and you played a top trump card when you informed Redbull you were leaving. I hope that vettle skids off the track the guy is a jumped up little tw#t. Good luck Mark we will miss you.
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psycho budgie
on June 29, 2013Best for Silverstone mate, look forward to seeing you next year in a Porche at Le Mans – it will re kindle my interest in the race. 😀
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Carol
on June 29, 2013Congratulations Mark, you deserve to be driving for such a great team. Meanwhile, for the rest of the year, how about giving Seb some of his own medicine and ignoring team orders whenever it will improve your chances? Let him be the one to worry about whether two cars finish the race or not for a change, instead of you being the one who is always doing the right thing for the team. As for the team, if Seb’s car happens not to finish the race occasionally as a result of you actually racing competitively, well then it serves them right for the way they have treated you! Best of luck for the rest of the season, and wishing you outstanding success and the support you deserve from your new team at Porsche.
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Col
on June 29, 2013Been a fan since seeing you years ago in f ford here in Australia. Good luck for the rest of your time in F1 and at Porsche – bring home that win you deserved at LeMans. But don’t forget us at home, we still want to see you.
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Sylvia
on June 29, 2013Never easy to make this kind of decision. Good on ya, mate! All the best to you, and congratulations on a great F1 career.
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AaX
on June 29, 2013GOD Willing, Going to be The Best Decision You’ve Made for Your Ambitions, Capabilities and Future Contributions! (as most of us have have already knew)
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Multi 21
on June 29, 2013Mark you were the best out there. You have left an unfillable hole in the very fabric of Grand Prix racing. Those 9 wins will remain unmatched for years to come. Your WDC run has been mega over the past five years, especially given your equipment. The way you dragged that dog of a Red Bull up the grid since 2009 is nothing short of extraordinary! Well done. You never really had a good car, but you kept them honest through Aussie Grit. You will never be forgotten. Lest we forget…
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Mark K
on June 30, 2013Mark,
You’re the reason I love the F1 and we’ll keep following you, mate.
Mark -
Mark K
on June 30, 2013Mark,
You’re the reason I love the F1, and we’ll keep following you.
Mark -
Al Murphy
on June 30, 2013Gutted you’re leaving F1 Mark but thanks for some great memories. Good luck With Porsche. Cheers mate.
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Giovanni
on June 30, 2013I’ll be very sad to see u leave F1. You’ve given fans some great moments to remember. Incredible racing, always tough and fair. Sure hope you give Vettel a tough 2013. So wanted to see you win a WDC, but you never had the equipment or the proper support.
Hope you enjoy driving for Porsche!
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Iceman
on June 30, 2013Mark just take that German [site manager edit] out.
We don’t need dirty drivers like that in formula1.He is a disgrace to the FIA and should be band for the rest of the season!!!!!!!!! -
Janice Twidale
on June 30, 2013I’ve been following your career since the day I saw you on the drivers parade at Monza in 2003. I’ll continue to follow you in your new venture and I wish you every success in your pursuit of victory in the Porsches. Who knows I might even be able to afford to come and see you race live next year.
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mick
on July 1, 2013Best of luck at porsche, will this mean we might see you in some of the classic racing @ lemans ?
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stephen de vries
on July 4, 2013Congratulations on the promotion. Stay on the straight and narrow and make that Porsche shine!
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Jane
on July 7, 2013Glad I had the opportunity to see you race in Spa 2012. You are an Aussie inspiration. Would have loved to see your final race again in Spa 2013 but price is my downfall. Best of luck in the future legend!!! Hope to see more of you.
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One More Win Please
on August 1, 2013I always though you’re carrier might end up in the position it found itself. I don’t believe the world saw your true potential, but those in the know did. It was so hard watching the first 5 years of your F1 carrier knowing you had already came in at 25, then that terrible accident another great shame. 2009 would have been your year, no doubt. 2010 was difficult. I remember watching you drop the car in front of Alonso and I said to myself that’s the first time I have ever seem him drop the car, the first time it was a proper drivers mistake, you’re one of the best in the wet. At that stage I didn’t know you had an injured shoulder. If that race was dry… Just so many lost opportunities seldom luck going your way. When Vettel ran into the back of you at Fuji I just about had a panic attack, I said to my self how the **** can one man be so unlucky, I was in shock! As time has moved on I struggle with some of the ongoing issues your side of the garage has experienced, and as a contrarian I don’t really believe in coincidences. None the less you made it all the way to the tip of the spear in F1 and you held your own. DM saw in you what so many others did and you worked hard and locked that seat out and forced other to pay attention. These days F1 is not what it was, you were the last of the real on your own merit drivers an end to an era.
I think the FIA WEC is about to be introduced to the fastest driver that sport has ever seen.
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Paul Wijman
on August 6, 2013Thank you Mark for youre statement about finance being more important than talent in f1 these days let, s say the Robin Frijns situation. I wish you al the best and I am sure you wil put porche on the podium at Le Mans.
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cynthia
on August 14, 2013I hope to see you in petit Leman in road atlanta would be great let us fans know if you will attend petit
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James Burke
on September 11, 2013Mark I don’t know whether you read any of this but I can feel your pain that you have had to endure whilst giving your all to Red Bull. I hope to be in Germany next year and it would be great to see you race and maybe say g’day mate, keep living the dream mate aka Peter Brock. All the best to you James Burke.
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Pb
on September 29, 2013Mark you should of been world champ to me you are,if they call vettel champ then they might as well close f1 up for good
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Laurie
on October 7, 2013Mark, You were their in Jaguar through to Red bull, without you to push Vettel, he will be a nobody again, to me your a world champion, and top bloke.
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Andrew Harris (rubburduk)
on October 13, 2013Come on mark suzuka is for the taking mate.
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Jarrod
on October 13, 2013Mark, Well done to a brilliant career in F1, as a fellow Aussie I am incredibly proud of what you have achieved in the sport and the way you have always been very modest with your success. You have always conducted yourself in such a professional manner, and not only shows your in your driving but also your demeanor as a great bloke! Look forward to the day when I can approach u at a bar and say g’day over a beer Cheers mate, to a sensational era!
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Pat Atkinson
on October 13, 2013Always such a pleasure to watch you racing – stick it to them
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Ben Nicholls
on October 27, 2013Mark,
Every time I have had a nap on Sundays in prep for a late night watching the F1 my wife would give me heaps! She too has lived through all your low and high moments with me. It really won’t be the same without you. Your a champion bloke and deserve all the success in your next chapter. It’s on my bucket list to meet you one day, hopefully as a Le Mans champ in the next few years. All the best Mark and a big congrats for all your amazing achievement and entertainment in the sport! Cheers, Ben
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Alison Chandler
on November 24, 2013Its been refreshing watching a man do his job in a way that he enjoyed but also to see the respect he showed to all the other drivers even when it was not deserved.
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Natalie Whitmore
on November 25, 2013Well done Mark, a true gent during your F1 career, now bring on the new chapter, cannot wait to see you perform in your new and exciting challenge.
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Sarah
on November 27, 2013Bye, Bye Mark…….
Will certainly miss you…..
Good luck for the future….
xx -
June
on November 29, 2013Mark,I miss you in F1
so much!You really did a great job!See u in Leman next year. Best wishes! -
Arthur
on December 11, 2013Congratulations on your new career. You have done OZ proud !!!Will your racing be covered on Australian Free to air TV ??
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Mark Webber Site Manager
on December 11, 2013Hi Arthur – thanks for your message. We actually don’t know the answer to that yet, however we plan to find out and let everyone know before the season starts in April next year.
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Becky G
on January 4, 2014You will be missed Mark, good luck in your new venture.
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Graham
on January 10, 2014Good luck at Le Mans ! I will be there cheering you on !
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Oscar
on February 10, 2014Mark congrats on a fine career with F1 & the Red Bull team. You are a fantastic driver and a loss to F1. I hope Daniel Ricardo has learnt a lot from you and fly the Australian flag proudly as you have. Good luck on the next leg of your journey with Porsche WEC and Le Mans 24 and its challengers, I know you do us all proud…
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Dain Favier
on March 8, 2014You and Porsche a great combination. You are a gentleman and a great role model. Go Aussie go..the wind at your back. Good luck.
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