Former F1 star, 2015 FIA WEC World Champion and multiple FIA WEC race winner Mark Webber has announced his retirement from professional racing today.
Webber will become a Porsche Ambassador at the end of 2016, standing down from driving duties in the 919 Hybrid LMP1 programme at the conclusion of the current FIA WEC season.
Webber moved from F1 to the FIA WEC in 2014 racing alongside Timo Bernhard and Brendon Hartley, the trio have managed multiple wins in the series over the last three seasons. The win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans has however eluded them. In 2014, the powertrain failed whilst in 2015, a penalty led to a charge through the field but ultimately was unsuccessful in claiming victory. Whilst in 2016 a damaged water pump ended the challenge.
It’s been a fantastic career in top-flight racing for Webber. Racing at Le Mans in the 1990’s with Mercedes Benz before 11 seasons in F1 with Minardi, Jaguar, Williams and Red Bull, returning to sportscar racing to conclude his racing career with Porsche.
Enjoy the retirement Mark!
I just hope this means more Mark on the podium for interviews. Dude is an unreal racer. Got his book yesterday so I hope to learn more about him.
Great book, highly recommended. Especially his insight into the flawed Mercedes CLR project at Le Mans.
He really flew in that Mercedes.
Sorry.
Ouch!
Well, they WERE a top flight team!
Much love to David Hobbs but let’s move out of the leather helmet era and get Mark W onto NBC!
PS Re David Hobbs boy do I love it going into drivers meetings at Lime Rock and seeing his name on a fastest lap plaque. Driving the same tar as your idols – so much fun.
Sorry, but don’t see why Mark would waste his time at an American network. Talking up’s Walter Rohrl role is a much better deal.