26/03/2013
NEWS STORY
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Flavio Briatore, who manages Mark Webber, says he believes the damage done by Sebastian Vettel in last weekend's race is irreparable.
The Italian, who has been in constant touch with the Red Bull driver since the race claims the Australian is still fuming.
"I don't think the relationship can be sewn together again," Briatore told RAI radio. Asked if he thought one of the pair would leave the team at season end - and we all know who that will be - he added: "For sure. Last year already there were problems."
Meanwhile, Alan Webber, Mark's father has dismissed claims that his son could walk away from the sport or at least give the Chinese Grand Prix a miss.
"We'll be up in China for the next one," he told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, subsequently admitting: "I think it will take a while (for Vettel) to earn the respect and trust again."
However, the Italian's fiercest criticism wasn't aimed at Vettel but team boss Christian Horner, who he claims has lost control at the team.
"Sepang was proof no-one is in charge at Red Bull," said Briatore. "Vettel is the boss there. You can't have a team manager also doing the driving.
"Normally the team principal goes on the podium at the first race win of the season," he added, referring to the fact that it was Technical Director Adrian Newey who accepted the constructors' trophy. "Christian didn't even have the strength to get on the podium because they're terrified with a driver in charge instead of the team manager."
Hmm... maybe it's time for another cheesy 'clear the air' photoshoot like the one in 2011 (above).