Adrian Sutil has secured a deal with Sauber to ensure himself a race seat for 2014. He will effectively make the inverse move of Nico Hulkenberg who joined Force India following his departure at Sauber.
Maybe it is Webbers call after all?gilgen wrote:Maybe I have a good knowledge of how things are done? Didi does not make statements such as this. It is one speculative report from a paper, from an unspecified source.WhiteBlue wrote:Undoubtedly Didi makes that kind of decisions at Red Bull. If you believe different you have not understood how Red Bull operate in F1.gilgen wrote:It is all vey well for anyone to say that Didi has personally presented Webber with an offer, but then admit that it is Horner and Marko who will make the decision. Mateschitz could not agree to something that he has no control over. All sounds like a bit of spin.
But team boss Horner told British reporters on Wednesday: "Kimi would have to be an option, if he were to be available."
33-year-old Finn Raikkonen, currently at Lotus, has said he is yet to consider his future beyond 2013.
Horner added: "We're in the fortunate position that there are an awful lot of people who would like to drive a Red Bull Racing car."
He said it is possible Webber will decide to leave formula one at the end of his 2013 deal.
"We've agreed year-on-year deals with him as we did with David Coulthard at a similar stage in his career," said Horner.
"Before making any decision it's important to understand what his (Webber's) intentions are.
"The pairing we have has been tremendously successful. From our perspective we will only change for something better than we currently have," added Horner.
via BBC Sport F1Mark Webber to leave Formula 1 at the end of 2013 season
Red Bull driver Mark Webber has decided to leave F1 at the end of this season.
The 36-year-old Australian is joining German company Porsche's new sportscar programme, which includes an assault on the classic Le Mans 24 Hours.
Webber had options to stay in F1, either with Red Bull or another top team, but feels it is time to move on in his career.
Lotus's Kimi Raikkonen is favourite to replace him, with Toro Rosso's Daniel Ricciardo or Jean-Eric Vergne options.
Webber described it as an "honour" to race for Porsche, adding: "Porsche has written racing history as a manufacturer and stands for outstanding performance and technology at the highest level.
"I'm very much looking forward to this new challenge after my time in Formula 1. I can hardly wait to pilot one of the fastest sports cars in the world."
stefan_ wrote:via BBC Sport F1Mark Webber to leave Formula 1 at the end of 2013 season
Red Bull driver Mark Webber has decided to leave F1 at the end of this season.
The 36-year-old Australian is joining German company Porsche's new sportscar programme, which includes an assault on the classic Le Mans 24 Hours.
Webber had options to stay in F1, either with Red Bull or another top team, but feels it is time to move on in his career.
Lotus's Kimi Raikkonen is favourite to replace him, with Toro Rosso's Daniel Ricciardo or Jean-Eric Vergne options.
Webber described it as an "honour" to race for Porsche, adding: "Porsche has written racing history as a manufacturer and stands for outstanding performance and technology at the highest level.
"I'm very much looking forward to this new challenge after my time in Formula 1. I can hardly wait to pilot one of the fastest sports cars in the world."
I am certainly not. The atmosphere in the team was horrible. Webber will enjoy the rest of the season and head over with his usual direct approach in a more relaxed environment.Cam wrote:Wow - I'm surprised that he left. Glad it was on his own terms and he wasn't pushed.
All the best Mark.
So just like anyone else, right?Just_a_fan wrote:I can't see Vettel being happy with Kimi as a team mate. Too fast and absolutely will not take crap from anyone. Vettel will want someone who will run as tail gunner for him, not challenge him for wins. A Massa to his Alonso, if you will.
What?Just_a_fan wrote:I can't see Vettel being happy with Kimi as a team mate. Too fast and absolutely will not take crap from anyone. Vettel will want someone who will run as tail gunner for him, not challenge him for wins. A Massa to his Alonso, if you will.
We wont know for sure what actually happen behind the scene, It could be a mutual decision since Webber has been a shadow of himself for awhile. I bet a decision was already made sometime back and this announcement is just a formality.Cam wrote:Wow - I'm surprised that he left. Glad it was on his own terms and he wasn't pushed.
All the best Mark.
Looks like it was Marks decision.Red Bull issued a statement on Thursday that thanked Webber for his contribution to the team, but also made it clear that the decision on who will replace him will "not be made until later in the season."
Horner added: "I am sure Mark thought long and hard before making what has no doubt been a very difficult decision.
"His achievements in Formula 1 are extensive and I am sure he will continue to push hard and build on that record until the end of the season.
"We support Mark's decision, he has been an excellent addition to the team since joining us in 2007 and we wish him all the best in the next stages of his career."
In an interview that appeared on his official website that asked if he had options to stay in F1, he said: "Yes, but since Formula 1 as a category wasn't on my radar for 2014, they weren't a consideration for me."
Webber made it clear that recent Red Bull controversies - like the 'Multi 21' team orders affair in Malaysia - had not influenced his decision however.
"No, I've had a personal plan and I've stuck to it. This is the next chapter," he said.
