Horner: Webber unlucky with Vettel

Red Bull Racing ended the season by winning another double at the Brazilian Grand Prix. If Mark Webber sought to fight for a tenth and final victory in F1, his teammate Sebastian Vettel est resté intouchable sur le circuit d’Interlagos. Le futur pilote Porsche quitte néanmoins la discipline sur une belle performance. “The seven years with Mark have been an incredible time for him and the team.”, commented Team Principal Christian Horner. “He came in with a podium under his belt and a great reputation. I already wanted to sign him a few years ago because I had a stable in F3000. His speed has never been in question and he has evolved since he arrived. He played a big role in the four Manufacturers' titles and in the development of the car. Adrian (Newey, the technical director) and the technical staff really enjoyed working with him and found his feedback really valuable. »

The big disappointment for the Australian will be to have missed out on the title after having come close to it in 2010. Mark Webber could certainly have claimed the crown if he had not found himself facing Sebastian Vettel who dominates outrageously F1 since this period. “His performance and speed have been truly impressive. But he was unlucky to be Sebastian Vettel's teammate. He stays at the top level of his game and leaves in style when many athletes would have left in a whimper. I think you have to have a very strong character because people underestimate Sebastian's level. Mark is a very good driver and that is obviously very hard for an athlete. However, he remained motivated until the end, sometimes in a way that could be a little unpleasant for the team, but which worked for him. He gave the best of himself. »

Discover the analysis of the Brazilian Grand Prix carried out by our special correspondents in issue 1937 of AUTOhebdo, available from tomorrow in digital version on all platforms, and from Wednesday on newsstands.