Formula One: Mark Webber may ask Red Bull to back him
Red Bulls Mark Webber says that his team would have to make some tough decisions soon, and would have to back him as the title contender ahead of Sebastian Vettel.
Mark Webber ended the last Grand prix in Belgium at number 2, behind Lewis Hamilton of McLaren. Webber is now 28 points ahead of his team mate Sebastian Vettel, who could only manage 15th place finish in the race.
Webber when asked if the team should focus entirely on him replied, maybe not right away but soon they might have to.
The Australian said that Red Bull has plenty of trophies but nothing compared to what McLaren have and it all depends on how much the team want to win the world title this year.
Mark Webber failed to win at the Spa circuit after taking the lead at one point , but failed to hold on to it and Hamilton won the race in dramatic fashion.
While Mark Webber finished 2nd behind Hamilton, his team mate Sebastian Vettel crashed into Jenson Button’s car and earned himself a drive through penalty.
In general, it really may be a bit too early for Red Bull to put all their eggs in one basket and start backing Webber for the title. Also considering the investment Red Bull has made in Vettel and the emotional attachment of the German with the team, it may be sometime before they start to consider Webber as the only title contender. However, there is a general consensus that if Vettel does not step up to the plate in the next 2 races or so, Red Bull would have to put their bets on Webber and back the Australian to win his first world championship.
Christian Horner, the Red Bull boss said that there is still enough time left in the season to back both his drivers. He said that there are 6 races and a total of 150 points at stake, so there is no need to rush into things.
Horner said that yes, Webber and Hamilton have taken a significant lead over the chasing pack, but still all 5 contenders can win the championship. Moreover, it would be jumping the gun too soon if the team conclude that Vettel is no longer a title contender. Horner admitted that if things do not go well in next 2 to 3 races, then the team may have to consider the option of Webber but for now it’s not an option.
Horner said that changes in the sport have meant that 2010 season does present new scenarios, if there was a lead of 30 off points between top 2 and the rest in 2009 season. Then maybe yes the season may have been pretty much over, but considering the new points system that gives 25 points for a race win. Things can really change in matter of a weekend. He reiterated that backing one driver would be too soon at this point and he would instead love that both his drivers end up at top 2 spots in the championship.
Horner was asked if he thinks that Mark Webber would ask to be favoured more. The Red Bull boss said that he does not know and cannot speak on Webber’s behalf. He said that Webber is a good sportsman, but along with that, he is also a realistic man. He said that for now he would also realise that there is no need to back him only, but if things do not improve for Vettel, he may be forced to come in and ask for some favours.
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