Adrian Newey: Sebastian Vettel quick learner, Mark Webber struggling with Pirelli – Formula 1
Red Bull technical director Adrian Newey has said that his team’s duo of Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber is driving well in the 2011 Formula 1 season so far, with the German slightly edging out the Australian.
Newey also stated that Webber is not a lesser driver than Vettel but it is just that Vettel is ‘a quick learner.’
The opening four rounds of the Formula 1 2011 season have gone almost according to the plan for the Red Bull team. The have managed to win three races and finished on the podium six times.
Newey still thinks that there is some discrimination in Red Bull drivers.
He said, “At the moment he's [Vettel] really on top of his game. So far the gap between Sebastian and Mark [Webber] has been bigger than last year. It's certainly not a case that Mark has been driving any slower - that's for sure. Mark's just taken a bit
longer to adapt to the Pirelli tyres but the gap is closing.”
He further added that Vettel has a great self-belief and is adapting to the conditions slightly better than Webber.
Webber’s recent downfall and for the fact that he has been completely outperformed by his much younger teammate, added fuel to fire that he should hang up his helmet after the 2011 season concludes.
However, in the recent couple of races, although unable to beat Vettel, Webber has managed to somehow live up to the expectations of his team.
The Aussie’s performance in the Chinese Grand Prix was very impressive. Webber started the race from 18th place and remarkably managed to land on the podium just a few seconds shy of his teammate.
Newey also thinks that Webber should stay for a bit long in the Red Bull team.
He said, “Crikey, I'm hoping Mark continues next season. Apart from being a great person, his contribution has been significant. He's been a pillar of the team from the start. Seb is very perceptive in his feedback in some regards and Mark is very perceptive
in other areas. We listen to both and it helps the car.”
Red Bull are competing in the 2011 Formula 1 season with their noses in front. They won both championship titles in the 2010 season with almost no hiccups.
However, Newey thinks that 2010 was a difficult season especially when the development race was faltered and the relationship between Webber and Vettel was getting cold.
As the 2010 season is history, Newey thinks that Red Bull should focus on the 2011 season as no less than five teams have made huge leaps for the championship title.
The season continues in Barcelona with the fifth grand prix of the season this weekend.
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