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Red Bull's Mark Webber has revealed he never considered staying in F1 for 2014, even though he had options to do so.
The Australian announced today that he will join Porsche's LMP1 programme for next season, thus bringing an end to his 12 year Formula 1 career.
Webber was expected to speak with the Red Bull over the summer regarding his position within the team, but in an interview on his official website, revealed that staying in Formula 1 in 2014 was not on his agenda.
"Yes, [but] since Formula 1 as a category wasn't on my radar for 2014, they weren't a consideration for me."
He also stated that the ‘Multi-21' affair in this year's Malaysian Grand Prix had not influenced his decision to leave Formula 1.
“I've had a personal plan and I've stuck to it. This is the next chapter,” he said.
“The timing is perfect to join a fresh programme. It's a sensational challenge and opportunity for my future to work with one of the most famous marques in motorsport.”
“I realise F1 is seen as the absolute pinnacle of motorsport and I've worked with some incredible people, in particular Adrian Newey.”
Webber also added that despite his at-times fractious Formula 1 career, he will miss the series which gave him nine grand prix victories, 11 pole positions and 36 podium finishes.
“Will I miss some of this? Yes, of course, but time doesn't stand still for anyone and it's time to move on to my next challenge.”
The Australian announced today that he will join Porsche's LMP1 programme for next season, thus bringing an end to his 12 year Formula 1 career.
Webber was expected to speak with the Red Bull over the summer regarding his position within the team, but in an interview on his official website, revealed that staying in Formula 1 in 2014 was not on his agenda.
"Yes, [but] since Formula 1 as a category wasn't on my radar for 2014, they weren't a consideration for me."
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| Mark Webber, Red Bull RB9. (Photo: WRi2) |
He also stated that the ‘Multi-21' affair in this year's Malaysian Grand Prix had not influenced his decision to leave Formula 1.
“I've had a personal plan and I've stuck to it. This is the next chapter,” he said.
“The timing is perfect to join a fresh programme. It's a sensational challenge and opportunity for my future to work with one of the most famous marques in motorsport.”
“I realise F1 is seen as the absolute pinnacle of motorsport and I've worked with some incredible people, in particular Adrian Newey.”
Webber also added that despite his at-times fractious Formula 1 career, he will miss the series which gave him nine grand prix victories, 11 pole positions and 36 podium finishes.
“Will I miss some of this? Yes, of course, but time doesn't stand still for anyone and it's time to move on to my next challenge.”