Webber will miss “special circuits” after F1 exit

Mark Webber says the thrill of driving F1 cars on some of the world’s best racing circuits is what he will miss most about Formula One.

“I think there are some special circuits which we race on,” said Webber after his final race at Interlagos yesterday. “Obviously Suzuka, Spa, Monte Carlo, Silverstone, even here to a degree.”

Webber will drive for Porsche in the World Endurance Championship next year, which has rounds at Spa, Silverstone and Interlagos, as well as the La Sarthe circuit which hosts the Le Mans 24 Hours.

“There are some really nice circuits which, when you have the car in the window,” said Webber, “particularly in qualifying, there’s not much that can please a driver more than having the car on the edge and having yourself on the edge in the ultimate machine and that is something which I will miss.”

However he said he was wary of losing the ability to compete at the highest level after 12 seasons in F1. “You also have to respect that you want to make sure that you’re getting the best out of yourself in that scenario,” he said.

“If you think you’re a little bit off, then it’s not as rewarding as it once was. I will miss those scenarios.”

Webber said he will also miss “the perfection that goes on in this game, especially with a team like Red Bull, the amount of work that goes in, the details”.

“It’s quite inspiring to watch the relentless approach with the work, that’s something which I’ve learned a lot and I will take it to future challenges around the corner.”

However Webber added he was looking forward to not having to travel as much and being able to relax more. “I’m not young but I’m not old,” he said, “I’m in the window, it’s a good time for me to get that balance, a little bit less intensity in the private life and also in the professional life.”