Webber not as marketable as Vettel

Mark Webber has joked that acquiring tattoos and an earring could boost his Formula One world title quest.

Webber apologised last week for his “not bad for a No.2 driver” jibe at Red Bull team bosses immediately after his British Grand Prix victory at Silverstone, which moved him past teammate Sebastian Vettel to third in the standings.

But the Australian hasn’t given up wise-cracking about the rivalry with his young German teammate, even while denying it has divided the Red Bull team into two camps.

There were reports that Webber’s pit crew goaded Vettel’s mechanics after the Silverstone race, rubbing in the fact that he won despite having a front wing taken from his car and put on Vettel’s.

“I am part of a sensational team,” Webber told England’s Daily Mail.

“The stories that the teams on the two sides of the garage aren’t getting on is total rubbish.

“You don’t need to have enemies in life. I just want a fair crack.”

Vettel is widely viewed as a more attractive marketing prospect for the team’s sponsors with their energy drink aimed at the youth market.

Webber offered a suggestion to enhance his own marketability as the team prepares for Vettel’s home grand prix at Hockenheim next weekend.

“Of course, I am not in my 20s, but Sebastian hasn’t got any tattoos or earrings, so perhaps if I got some of those that might help,” said Webber, who made it clear their championship aspirations make genuine friendship difficult.

“Seb and I aren’t the best of mates, but that’s not unnatural as we both chase the same goal.

“Who knows, in the next few months, if we’re both still racing at the front, things could become more tense between us.”

But Webber also absolved Vettel from any blame for the tensions at the British Grand Prix.

“Seb did nothing wrong all weekend. After the race, he shook my hand,” he said.

“The first rule in motorsport is to try to avoid contact with your teammate. After the race, I spent 20 minutes with Seb’s mechanics.”