Red Bull Webber determined to end Formula spell on a high note

SAO PAULO - Agence France-Presse

Mark Webber, 37, will end his Formula One career at the Interlagos circuit on Nov 24. REUTERS photo

Mark Webber admitted that he had accepted the inevitability of his age but remained determined to bow out of Formula One on a high note in the Brazilian Grand Prix on Nov. 24.

The Australian, who will go sportscar racing with the Porsche team next season, will complete 12 seasons of racing in Grands Prix when he steers his Red Bull car around the Interlagos circuit.

Popular and respected for his affability, approachability and honesty, Webber said he had not allowed the finale to his F1 career to hit him emotionally.

“I think on Nov. 24 it’ll be a little bit different but it still feels like a normal race at the moment,” Webber said. “I’m looking forward to Sunday in many ways, in terms of pushing for a good result.

“But also I’m ready to stop and looking forward to the extended winter that I’ll have and the new challenges around the corner.

“Getting out of the car on Sunday there will be a few things that will be for the last time, but I’m pretty relaxed and looking forward to the race.”

He added: “I wouldn’t be leaving if there weren’t things I was happy to leave behind. If there were more positives than negatives, then I would stay.

“Suzuka, Spa, Monte Carlo, come qualifying and even racing at some circuits it’s very challenging and rewarding so I’ll miss some of that. But there comes a time when you’ve got to let go. I’ll still have good adrenaline next year with Porsche and that’ll be a good balance.”

Meanwhile four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel rejected suggestions he and Webber do not enjoy a good relationship.

He stressed how successful they had been as a pairing and how much he would miss the Australian as a teammate.

“Obviously we didn’t always have the best relationship on a personal level,” he explained. “But in terms of working professionally together for the team, we have been very strong.

“I’ve learned a lot from him.”