New Delhi, April 27 (IANS) Australian Formula 1 driver Mark Webber says he and Red Bull teammate Sebastian Vettel share a great camaraderie despite what happened at the controversial Malaysian Grand Prix.
On March 24 at the Sepang International Circuit, Webber led Vettel after the final pit stops and the drivers were told to hold position by team principal Christian Horner till the end of the race. But Vettel passed the Australian after a tussle with 13 laps to go.
The 36-year-old said in spite of what happened in Malaysia, he and Vettel share a good relationship.
“Now into its seventh season, my partnership with Red Bull Racing is one of the longest between a driver and a team. Sebastian and I are a team and we share a great camaraderie,” Webber told IANS in an e-mail response.
Vettel had also commented that the Australian did not deserve to win the race. On being asked the same, Webber gave an evasive answer.
“Look, Sebastian is an experienced driver. Besides, we have a common goal as teammates to make our team proud. We continue to respect each other and will continue to remain focused in wanting to make the team proud.”
Webber achieved another career landmark in Bahrain April 14 when he participated in his 200th race.
When asked how it feels to be 200 Grands Prix old, Webber said, “It feels amazing. My passion for the sport and my pursuit for excellence is what drives me. I genuinely believe that this is just the beginning; and I have a long way to go. I still feel hungry; I still enjoy driving the car.”
The 36-year-old has achieved nine wins, 35 podiums, 11 pole positions and 14 fastest laps in a career which started in 2002. Which moment does he believe to be the most memorable?
“Through all the 200 races there have been a number of special moments. One of the most memorable moments was my first race in Australia. I recollect that right at the beginning of the race, there was a massive accident at the first corner. Everyone thought that my car went terminal and I couldn’t make it through. But as the race developed, I managed to reach fifth place and got the car to the end. Being my first race, the response from the audience was overwhelming,” said the Aussie.
In 12 years of Grand Prix racing, he has driven for Minardi (2002), Jaguar (2003-04), Williams (2005-06), Red Bull (2007-till present). Webber’s best seasons came in 2010 and 2011 when he finished third in the drivers’ championship but a World Championship still eludes him. Does he think he has it in him to win the title?
“The goal is always to win. That’s what keeps me motivated on the tracks. I will give it my best shot and leave the rest to fate and destiny,” signed off Webber, who won his first race at the 2009 German Grand Prix at Nurburgring.
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