Manama: Australian World Endurance Championship driver and former Formula One star Mark Webber is up for an emotional weekend as he prepares to hang his helmet after the final race of the season in Bahrain.
Kicking off his career in 1998 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Mercedes AMG, Webber is set to pull the curtains down on his illustrious racing career in Bahrain.
The 40-year-old Australian’s best years were in Formula One from 2002 till 2013 racing for Minardi, Jaguar, Williams and Red Bull. He achieved 42 podiums and 1,047.5 career points.
Currently racing for Porsche Racing at the Endurance Championship, Webber seemed more composed going into his final days behind the wheel.
“Now, I’m a little bit relaxed, obviously race day is going to be emotional but we’ve got a job to do which is important, we want to try and win the race if we can,” he said.
Consequences
However, Webber expected the consequences to strike him later when he notices he is no longer involved.
“I think it will hit me early next week, but it’ll be major when the guys go testing in a couple of months and I’m not involved so that will be reality to me, that its real and I am no longer with them.
“’I’ve had a good run. Life goes fast and I want to have the next part of my life not driving around circles,” Webber explained.
Webber currently sits in fourth place on the world championship rankings with teammates German Timo Bernhard and compatriot Brendon Hartley with 119.5 points.
The Australian also said he will not be missing any of the stress related aspects of racing.
“I won’t miss the stress, but I will definitely miss the competition. I think I am retiring at the perfect time. I can’t do this until I’m 75, but there is a time where we say enough,” he said.
“I’ve learned more about myself than ever as a full person away from the track because of my career in a car. I’ll have to start bike racing to keep the adrenaline rush going on though,” he added.
Webber is set to take over as a Porsche consultant following his retirement.
“I’m going to be a Porsche consultant. It’s a very special role, and I’m very honoured to have it.
“I will continue to work with Red Bull, I will continue to do some Formula One punditry on television, I really like that,” Webber said.