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Australian Grand Prix boss Ron Walker has labelled Mark Webber a legend of Formula One as the Red Bull driver prepares to leave the sport at the end of the 2013 season.
Walker said Australians had been enthralled by Webber and his successes since making his F1 debut in front of a packed house at Melbourne’s Albert Park in 2002.
“From such an auspicious beginning, we’ve seen Mark grow as a driver and a person to become one of the very best in his field in a global sport, and all Australians have been thrilled by his efforts,” the chairman said in a statement on Friday.
“Mark ranks alongside Alan Jones MBE and Sir Jack Brabham AO OBE as true legends of Formula One.
“His contribution to the popularity of the sport in his home country cannot be underestimated, and we wish him all the best in the next phase of his career.”
Webber, who announced his retirement from F1 in a statement on his website on Thursday, has enjoyed nine wins and 36 podium finishes over a 12-year career in the sport.
The 36-year-old will spearhead Porsche’s return to Le Mans in 2014, marking his own comeback to sports cars 15 years after his two-year stint in the category with Mercedes.
Lotus’ Kimi Raikkonen is reportedly a favourite to replace Webber as Sebastian Vettel’s Red Bull teammate, although the Finn remained tight-lipped about joining the team ahead of this weekend’s British Grand Prix.
But Australian Grand Prix Corporation chief executive Andrew Westacott said local F1 fans should be excited about the prospect of another Australian – Toro Rosso’s Daniel Ricciardo – taking the hot seat.
“Daniel has shown that he has the skill and potential for a very big future in Formula One, and as Australians, it would be wonderful to think he could step into Mark’s very big shoes at Red Bull,” Westacott said.
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