Webber will leave Red Bull and F1 at the end of the 2013 season

The future of Mark Webber has generated a lot of ink in recent months, especially after the incident at the Malaysian Grand Prix with Sebastian Vettel, who disobeyed team orders to win ahead of his Australian teammate.

Webber was often mentioned as about to leave to join Porsche, which will be in Endurance in 2014, but nothing was official until now, and a continuation of his career in F1 was still possible because Red Bull’s team wanted to keep him for the next season.

Finally, Webber officially announced today his departure from the Red Bull team to join Porsche in 2014, as he stated to BBC Sport: « Porsche has written motorsport history as a manufacturer and is synonymous with exceptional performance and technology at the highest level. I am looking forward to this new challenge after my Formula 1 career. I really can’t wait to drive one of the fastest cars in the world. »

The Australian was keen to clarify that his decision was not related to the Malaysia incident, but followed personal reflection on his future: « No [it’s not related to Malaysia, editor’s note], I have a personal plan and I stuck to it. It’s the next chapter. The timing is perfect to join a new championship. It’s an exciting challenge and an opportunity for my future to work with one of the most well-known brands in motorsport. »

Webber also stated that even if he were to leave the Red Bull team, he would remain close to the energy drinks brand: « I will stay close to the Red Bull family, I will work with the brand, and watch and support other Red Bull athletes as they push the limits. »

This departure of the Queanbeyan native leaves a spot within the three-time world champion team for next year. The favorite for this seat seems to be Kimi Räikkönen unless Red Bull decides to trust one of the drivers from their program, Daniel Ricciardo or Jean-Eric Vergne, both of whom are with Toro Rosso this season.

The Austrian team announced in a statement that the decision on who will replace Webber will not be made before the end of the year. Christian Horner, the director of the Red Bull team, wanted to pay tribute to the Australian: I am sure Mark has thought long and hard before making what has undoubtedly been a difficult decision. His achievements in Formula 1 are vast and I am convinced that he will continue to push hard and drive to his limits until the end of the season. We support Mark’s decision, he has been a great asset to the team since he joined in 2007, and we wish him the best for the next stage of his career.

Webber began his Formula 1 career in 2002 with the Minardi team before joining Jaguar, Williams, and then Red Bull. In his 12-year F1 career, the Australian won 9 Grand Prix, achieved 36 podiums, secured 11 pole positions, set 15 fastest laps, and finished on the podium of the World Drivers’ Championship twice, in third place in 2010 and 2011.

Mark Webber will therefore drive next year for Porsche, which is making its return to Endurance next season – with Romain Dumas, Timo Bernhard, and Neel Jani. Webber will not be starting from scratch as he has already raced at Le Mans before his F1 career. He participated in the 24 Hours for Mercedes in 1998 – the year of Porsche’s last victory – and in 1999.