Mark Webber talks about Maldonado, Williams and Pirelli

In his column for the BBC Sports website, Mark Webber reflected on the Spanish Grand Prix and acknowledged his surprise at how the event unfolded: « I saw the tower displaying the standings during the race, and I would never have bet my money on Fernando [Alonso] not being able to [beat Maldonado], especially after taking the lead at the start. » Yet, it was indeed Pastor Maldonado, in his Williams, who won the Spanish Grand Prix held at the Circuit de Catalunya, which does not displease the great Mark: « It’s an unreal result when you consider the last two or three seasons Williams has experienced, which have been very difficult except for a few highlights here and there. Pastor [Maldonado] was on track for a good result in Melbourne before he crashed behind Fernando Alonso on the last lap, and one could wonder: « When are they going to get that boost? » Their result in Spain is exactly the boost they deserved. I think a podium would have sufficed, but a victory? My goodness. »

The Red Bull driver also commented on the fire that ravaged the Williams garage after the race and spoiled the celebration: « As always in this kind of situation, it was great to see the camaraderie that exists in Formula One, with mechanics from other teams rushing to help, despite the risk. It was, however, a reminder that Formula One can never be completely safe: there are many dangers on and off the track, and we must always do our best to contain these dangers as much as possible. I am sure Williams and the FIA will learn from this, and my thoughts go to the guys who were injured. »

The celebration was further spoiled as the Grove team had seized the opportunity of this Spanish Grand Prix to celebrate Sir Frank’s seventieth birthday. For Mark Webber, who wore the colors of the British team in 2006, the Williams boss is, and must be, an inspiration for everyone: « It was great to spend some time with him. Many people who have worked with him will tell you that you probably become closer to Frank when you no longer work with him because he keeps you on your toes when you’re in the team. Jenson [Button] and I both drove for Williams in the past, and we had a bit of a chat with him. I just told him that what he has accomplished is a complete inspiration. Frank has been paralyzed since a car accident in 1986: reaching the age of 70, in his condition, and achieving what he has done at the same time is a breathtaking effort. It is unique and incredibly special, and there are so many people around the world who can be inspired by what he has done. He hasn’t thrown in the towel and has remained mentally very strong. »

The Red Bull driver, currently in fifth place in the drivers’ standings, also reflects on a season start he considers more than open: Pastor Maldonado is the fifth different winner in as many races this year. It has been a difficult season to predict and remains impossible to decipher. Until China, the races were closely contested, with a very tight pack. Then, in Bahrain and now in Spain, we’ve seen large gaps and the field has spread out. In Bahrain, I was twenty seconds behind the third-place driver, Romain Grosjean. But if I had been that far behind in China, I would have been out of the points. It’s truly an open season, and what is clear is that the tires are the biggest factor.

Precisely, regarding the tires, the Australian is not far from sharing Michael Schumacher’s opinion, who regretted having to manage the Italian rubbers rather than seeking performance: « All teams have difficulties understanding them. On Friday in Barcelona, for example, Jenson Button seemed really strong, yet he finished the race in ninth position, unable to find his pace. The drivers and teams try everything they can to predict their car’s behavior in a given race and how the tires will hold up. But it seems there are other factors that can swing things in a different direction for you […]. One day I’m ahead of my teammate, Sebastian Vettel, the next day, he’s the one ahead of me. Sometimes there are huge gaps between teammates. People might say it’s great to see really smart people fighting to sort things out, but on the other hand, we love pushing the limits. We are the pinnacle [of motorsport] and we love to achieve perfection as much as possible. »