Mark Webber has announced he'll retire from professional racing at the end of the world endurance season in Bahrain next month.
The 40-year-old, born in Queanbeyan, competed in more than 200 F1 grands prix, winning nine and finishing third in the drivers' championship on three occasions with Red Bull. He won the World Endurance title with Porsche last year with Germany's Timo Bernhard and New Zealander Brendon Hartley but said the time is right to hang up his helmet.
“Of course hanging up my professional racing helmet is a very big decision but I’ve been extremely fortunate to receive great counsel from two of the legends of our sport, Sir Jackie Stewart and Niki Lauda, about the timings of such a decision,” Webber said.
The six-hour race in Dubai on November 19 will be the last time Webber competes as a works driver. He'll take up a role as a Porsche special representative at global events, work as a consultant on motorsport programs and help train up and coming drivers.
“The timing is right for me – you certainly view things a bit differently when you get a bit older and your priorities in life change. As with my F1 career, it’s nice to making the decision on my own terms.”
“It’s been a sensational three years and off the back of three consecutive wins, I’m hoping we can continue our good form and finish this year strongly.”
Porsche vice president LMP1 Fritz Enzinger said he was sorry to see the driver retire from the cockpit.
“Mark has strengthened us with all his experience and he seamlessly integrated himself into the team. Behind the wheel he is a fair fighter, never shy of even the toughest wheel-to-wheel battle. At the same time, he thinks strategically and is team orientated. This mixture makes him invaluable as an endurance racer.
“Thanks to his performance, we hope to win the world championship titles for manufacturers and drivers again in 2016.”
Webber was described as “everything Porsche implies” by the executive board chairman.
“Sportsmanship, power of endurance, straightforwardness and focused work for success. He is full of beans and always a thoughtful listener,” Oliver Blume said.
Webber said in addition to his new role with Porsche, he would be taking up opportunities with Red Bull, Network Ten and Michelin in Australia.
“I have arrived where I belong,” Webber said.
“I will miss the sheer speed, downforce and competition, but I want to leave on a high.”
