The announcement by Mark Webber regarding his departure from Formula One at the season’s conclusion has thrown Red Bull Racing’s plans for the British Grand Prix into disarray.
Just this past week, Christian Horner, the team boss of Red Bull, indicated that discussions were being arranged with the Australian to negotiate an extension of his existing contract with the team.
Nevertheless, just moments before the announcement of his switch to Porsche, Webber informed Horner of his decision.
Webber remarked: “For 2014, Formula One wasn’t on my radar.
“There were offers, but they didn’t factor into my plans.
“It’s a privilege for me to join Porsche during its return to the top tier at Le Mans and in the sports car World Endurance Championship.”
At 36, Webber has consistently experienced a tumultuous relationship with his Red Bull teammate, Sebastian Vettel.
Their conflict reached a peak earlier this season at the Malaysian GP when Vettel disregarded team instructions to refrain from overtaking Webber en route to victory.
Webber was furious but insists that this altercation played no role in his choice to leave the team.
Kimi Raikkonen, whose contract with Lotus concludes at the end of the year, is currently the frontrunner to take his place.
The Finnish champion — who secured the world title in 2007 while racing for Ferrari — has suggested a willingness to consider a move to the Milton Keynes-based team.
He stated: “I need to have discussions with certain individuals.
“However, I have no contract, which is typical in F1. There’s nothing to announce at this moment, but I will do so as soon as there is.
“There have been various options available before, and when the time comes, you choose what seems best for you at that moment.
“It’s difficult to determine whether it’s the right or wrong choice, but ultimately, you must accept it, whatever the outcome may be.
“Yet, one always aspires to secure the best vehicle, and Red Bull has demonstrated they possess the best overall package for the past three years.”
