27/06/2013
NEWS STORY
Having announced his decision to leave F1 for Sports Cars at the end of the season, Mark Webber says it is unlikely he will ever be enticed back to the 'pinnacle of motor sport'.
"I'd say it's extremely unlikely," he told reporters at Silverstone, "particularly given the new direction the category is going in. You would be out of touch very quickly."
Asked if he had options to remain in F1 for 2014, he revealed: "Yes but since Formula One as a category wasn't on my radar for 2014, they weren't a consideration for me."
When asked if his age was a factor, he responded: "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."
While it is widely thought that Red Bull was not going to renew his contract, which for the past few seasons has been on a year-by-year basis, Webber was keen to point out that he was not pushed out of the team.
"I never asked the team for more work," he said, "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."
And did what happened in Malaysia play a part in his decision? "No, I've had a personal plan and I've stuck to it. This is the next chapter.
"The timing is perfect to join a fresh programme," he added. "It's a sensational challenge and opportunity for my future to work with one of the most famous marques in motorsport."
Asked how he felt about returning to Le Mans, scene of his horrendous accident in 1999 when his Mercedes flipped on the Mulsanne Straight, Webber was adamant.
"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."
Asked what he will miss most about F1, Webber said: "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."