Webber hails new talent amid 'pay driver' trend
Webber cannot hide his frustration with the growing influence of 'pay drivers'.
Sep.18 (GMM) Mark Webber has backed the appointment of Daniel Ricciardo as his Red Bull successor as a win against the trend of 'pay drivers' in F1.
"Daniel deserves the job, which is the most important thing," he said.
Webber, who arrived on the grid in 2002 with the struggling Minardi team, cannot hide his frustration with the growing influence of 'pay drivers'.
"It has become normal to see a driver getting a seat not because of his talent, but because he's paying," the plain-speaking Australian is quoted by Brazil's Totalrace.
"I don't think that's very good for F1."
Webber said one exception has been the debut at Marussia of the strongly Ferrari-linked Jules Bianchi, who has been able to express his talent despite the lack of competitiveness of his car.
"It's not easy when you have a slow car -- I've been in that situation with Minardi," said the 37-year-old, who at the end of a career spanning more than 200 races and 9 wins, is departing for Le Mans sports cars in 2014.
"I think he (Bianchi) has done a good job and deserves a chance with a top team in the future."
Another example, said Webber, is the promising Williams newcomer Valtteri Bottas.
His teammate in 2013 has been Pastor Maldonado, who although the winner of last year's Spanish Grand Prix, clearly falls into Webber's 'pay driver' category.
"Bottas has not had an easy time at Williams," said Webber.
"He did a great qualifying in Canada when I think he is basically alone in the team, because while Pastor has experience, I don't think Bottas can learn a great deal from him," he added.
Share Or Save This Story
Jules Bianchi's father speaks of family's continued hopes
Sauber under no illusions about constructors' position
Pirelli chief calls for radical F1 overhaul
Oscar Piastri shares how relationship with Mark Webber has evolved since F1 debut
Mark Webber’s Oscar Piastri role change was inevitable, says David Coulthard
What F1 history tells us about three-way title deciders
F1 Spanish GP at Madring: Sunday schedule, weather forecast and how to watch
Anthony Davidson warns young drivers not to follow Lewis Hamilton's Madrid FP3 example
Lewis Hamilton and Fred Vasseur recall GP2 title and 'most impressive race ever', 20 years on
How Kimi Antonelli is proving unbeatable, even when he's beaten
"I almost fell asleep" – F1 drivers push for Madrid track changes after "very poor" Spanish GP
WRC Chile: Victory boosts Oliver Solberg’s title hopes as Toyota seals manufacturers’ crown
The step-by-step story of how Lando Norris' Spanish GP miss played out under the VSC
How Kimi Antonelli is proving unbeatable, even when he's beaten
How Norris unfurled a surprising - and "unrepeatable" - Spanish GP pole lap
Audi’s long road back to the top of grand prix racing
What we learned from Friday practice at the 2026 F1 Spanish GP
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments