The exit of Mark Webber: Why did he leave Formula 1?

Red Bull Racing’s Mark Webber retired from Formula 1 on a high after finishing second in the Brazilian Grand Prix on November 24, 2013. It has been a tumultuous ride for the Aussie. His career has been highlighted by sparks of brilliance on the track and also by the professional rivalry between him and his teammate Sebastian Vettel. Their rivalry was taken to a new height earlier this season at the Malaysian Grand Prix, when Vettel ignored a team order to hand the victory to team mate Webber. Webber has 215 F1 starts, 9 wins and 42 Podium finishes to his name.

In a recent Interview, when asked for his real reason for retirement, Webber made it clear that lately his motivation to win has been waning. After joining Red Bull Racing Team in 2007, Webber narrowly lost the world title in 2010. Webber admitted in an interview with F1 racing magazine that he had been thinking about retiring for some time:  “I’ve been on the edge with Formula 1, I think, motivation-wise, for the past couple of years.”

New engine regulations in Formula 1 will lead to an increase in the weight of the engine. The “heavier” drivers will find it tough, now that there is even less leeway for them than there was in the past. Webber who weighed around 75kg was one of the heavier drivers, hinted that the change in regulations convinced him that it was the right time to retire. Webber will be joining Porsche in sportscar racing, to take a crack at the Le Mans 24 hours.