Webber clears the air with Red Bull after radio rant
MARK WEBBER has finally cleared the air with his Red Bull team after insisting his in-car radio blast at Red Bull chiefs at Sunday’s British Grand Prix was an attempt at “Australian sarcasm”.
Webber accused his team of favouring colleague Sebastian Vettel after Red Bull controversially took off his front wing and handed it to the German before qualifying.
Webber won the race and then couldn’t resist a dig at team principal Christian Horner, commenting over the radio: “Not bad for a No2 driver”.
The 33-year-old later added he would not have signed an extended contract with the Milton Keynes-based team had he known Vettel was the No1 driver, thus prompting Horner to order clear-the-air talks at the team’s factory during preparation for next weekend’s German Grand Prix.
Indeed, both parties emerged sporting a happy front yesterday with Webber quick to play down any suggestion of a rift with Vettel.
“We’ve debriefed and have cleared the air,” Webber said. “The respect within the team extends to the drivers. Seb and I are not enemies. We’re just two drivers pushing hard.”
Of his remark, he added: “Of course things get said in the heat of the moment which, with hindsight goggles on, probably shouldn’t have been said.
“Formula One is a highly charged and fiercely competitive arena where emotions and adrenaline do run high from time to time.
“My comment on the radio after the race was an example of Australian sarcasm – either at its best or worst depending on how you choose to take it.”