F1: No Reason For Webber To Leave

Formula 1

F1: No Reason For Webber To Leave - Horner

Red Bull Racing head says Mark Webber has good reasons to stay with team...

Adam Cooper | http://www.speedtv.com | Posted May 28, 2012 Monte Carlo (MCO)

Christian Horner (Left) confers with Mark Webber (Right) in the paddock. (Photo: Getty Images)

Christian Horner has indicated that Mark Webber’s expected departure from Red Bull Racing at the end of 2012 is not a foregone conclusion.

The consensus in the paddock has long been that Webber will either retire at the end of this year or take Felipe Massa’s place at Ferrari – and will be replaced by either Daniel Ricciardo or Jean-Eric Vergne.

However, Horner said that there are good reasons for Webber to stay.

“Mark’s had a great day today, he’d driving very well, he’s in great shape,” said Horner after the Monaco GP. “And you can see on a day like today that he’s absolutely on the top of his game. We have a very open and straightforward relationship with Mark, and today certainly doesn’t change that. It’s been the same situation for the last couple of years.

“Why would he want to leave? He’s comfortable in the team. The team know Mark very well, Mark knows the team very well. We’re only at race six. Obviously, a lot depends on his desire and motivation going forward which at the moment looks very clear. He’s doing a great job, we’re really happy with him. He’s really deserved today’s result.

“Mark’s doing a good job. Let’s focus on today, and the future will take care of itself.”

Asked to compare the team’s three Monaco wins, Horner said: “I think they all are sweet. The third one was pretty special, the second one was special, as well, and this one feels just as good to become triple winners in Monte Carlo.

“I don’t think you do that by luck, and Mark’s become a double winner. He joins an elite group of double winners or multiple winners in Monaco. He really deserved it today.”

Adam Cooper notched up his 27th season as a racing journalist in 2011. He has written about F1 for SPEED.com since 2005. Follow him on Twitter.