Webber to retain Red Bull backing in Porsche's LMP1 programme
Red Bull boss Dietrich Mateschitz says Mark Webber will still be backed by the drinks firm when he leaves Formula 1 for Porsche's LMP1 programme next year
Webber has driven for Red Bull's F1 squad since 2007.
The company backs myriad drivers across other motorsport disciplines, and Mateschitz confirmed Webber would retain his Red Bull link.
"For sure Mark will remain part of the family," Mateschitz said.
"He will wear a Red Bull helmet also next year and beyond."
AUTOSPORT's Edd Straw assesses Webber's F1 career
Mateschitz said he was not surprised at all when news of Webber's switch to the World Endurance Championship with Porsche broke on Thursday morning.
"We knew about Mark's decision for some time and I think it's a very good one with benefits for him and Porsche," said Mateschitz.
He confirmed that the Australian had visited him this week for talks before flying to Silverstone.
Previous article
Williams can score on 600th GP celebration, insists Pastor Maldonado
Next article
Vettel thinks team orders row did not influence Webber's decision
About this article
| Series | Formula 1 |
| Drivers | Jordan King |
| Teams | Red Bull Racing |
| Author | Gerhard Kuntschik |
The clues Hamilton’s F1 contract afterthought gives to his future
The Formula 1 world reacted with surprise when it learned Lewis Hamilton’s long-awaited new Mercedes deal guarantees his presence on the grid only until the end of 2021. Both parties claimed publicly they were happy with the arrangement but, asks MARK GALLAGHER, is there more to it than that?
How a harshly ejected Red Bull star has been hooked by racing again
Driver-turned-DJ Jaime Alguersuari lost his love for motorsport when he was booted out of Formula 1 just as he was starting to polish his rough edges. Having drifted from category to category then turned his back on racing altogether in 2015, he’s come full circle and is planning a return in karts for fun
Why Mercedes isn't confident it's really ahead of Red Bull at Imola
While Mercedes struck back against Red Bull by topping the times at Imola on Friday ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, the overall picture remains incredibly close. Despite having a possible edge this weekend, the reigning Formula 1 world champion squad is not taking anything for granted...
What Mercedes must do to keep its F1 title challenge on track
Mercedes may find itself leading the drivers' and constructors' standings after Lewis Hamilton's victory in the Bahrain Grand Prix, but it is well-aware that it came against the odds, with Red Bull clearly ahead on pace. Here's what the Brackley team must do to avoid its crown slipping
Why Tsunoda can become Japan’s greatest F1 talent
While Japan's fever for motor racing is well-documented, the country has yet to produce a Formula 1 superstar – but that could be about to change, says BEN EDWARDS
Why the demise of F1's hypocritical spending habit is cause for celebration
For too long, F1's richest teams have justified being able to spend as much as they want because that's the way they've always conducted their business. STUART CODLING says that's no reason not to kick a bad habit
The double whammy that is defining Vettel’s F1 fate
It's been a tough start to Sebastian Vettel's Aston Martin F1 career, with a lack of pre-season testing mileage followed by an incident-packed Bahrain GP. But two key underlying factors mean a turnaround is not guaranteed
The diva that stole a march on F1’s wide-bodied opposition
In 2017 new F1 technical regulations were supposed to add drama - and peg Mercedes back. STUART CODLING looks at the car which, while troubled, set the stage for the wide-bodied Formula 1 era
