I had to do it, claims Lauda
Jaguar Formula 1 boss Niki Lauda claims he had no choice but to opt for youth over experience in the team's driver line-up if it is to move forward, according to an exclusive interview this week's AUTOSPORT magazine
Speaking after announcing Mark Webber and Antonio Pizzonia as the team's 2003 pairing, Lauda admitted that he felt ditching incumbents Eddie Irvine and Pedro de la Rosa would inject a fresh impetus into the under-performing outfit.
"I was aiming for a new start and if you maintain either or both drivers then that is no new start," he said. "My worry is that if Pedro had stayed and Webber came in and was three tenths quicker, then he would be happy and stay three tenths quicker. So to get Mark and Antonio, without any team orders, properly going against each other is the best way forward.
"It was difficult because I had to replace two drivers who I like very much, and especially because Pedro had a contract. But if you look at the team and what we have to achieve here, then you can see I had to do it."
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