Mark Webber Retires

[cosworth151]

Porsche WEC driver & former F1 racer Mark Webber announced that he will retire from professional racing at the end of the 2016 season.

"I have arrived where I belong," Webber said. "Porsche is the brand I always loved most and the one that suits me the best. I will miss the sheer speed, downforce and competition, but I want to leave on a high and I'm very much looking forward to my new tasks."

Webber drove for Minardi, Jaguar, Williams and Red Bull in F1. Prior to F1, he raced for Mercedes at Le Mans. He returned to Le Mans after F1, driving for Porsche. He will stay on with Porsche as a "special representative".

Mark was always a favorite of mine. He has always been a fine driver and a great sportsman.

http://www.racer.com/wec-le-mans/item/135432-webber-to-retire-at-the-end-of-2016

[Jericoke]

I was never a fan of Webber per se, but I loved what he brought to F1.  He is a talented driver, and learned to be free to be his own man while still respecting the sport as a whole.

For anyone looking to break into motor racing, I feel he would be an excellent role model.

Maybe it's growing up watching American racing, but I never like it when a driver 'retires'.  'Real' racers want to race.  If someone asked him, Mario Andretti would race any car in any series right now.  I understand some people think it's sad when someone holds on too long, but I think it's sad when the fire goes out.

[Scott]

Just a little confused.  He seemed to be thriving at Porsche and relatively successful.  Why now?  You can have a long career at WEC, why retire in your mid-30's?  His position at Porsche is pretty vague, so I don't expect it to last long.  He's lousy with a microphone, so he won't have much staying power in TV unless it's for the odd Aussie race.  Maybe he thinks he has time to win a Tour De France or something   

[F1fanaticBD]

Maybe it's growing up watching American racing, but I never like it when a driver 'retires'.  'Real' racers want to race.  If someone asked him, Mario Andretti would race any car in any series right now.  I understand some people think it's sad when someone holds on too long, but I think it's sad when the fire goes out.

May be they get tired of the physical demand of the sports, the uncertainty of the business. Also may be they he successful driver earn enough that could enjoy the things in leisure? And I also think they are always on the road, constantly have to stay away from their families, may that distance and the demand pushes them to hang their boots

[Jericoke]

Maybe it's growing up watching American racing, but I never like it when a driver 'retires'.  'Real' racers want to race.  If someone asked him, Mario Andretti would race any car in any series right now.  I understand some people think it's sad when someone holds on too long, but I think it's sad when the fire goes out.

May be they get tired of the physical demand of the sports, the uncertainty of the business. Also may be they he successful driver earn enough that could enjoy the things in leisure? And I also think they are always on the road, constantly have to stay away from their families, may that distance and the demand pushes them to hang their boots

Oh, I understand why they do it.  Certainly every top f1 racer has earned the right to do as they wish, and I truly hope he's happy.

I just hold them to impossible standards and wish they'd race forever

[lkjohnson1950]

Maybe Porsche came to him on the QT and said We have this 18 year old kid we need to get on the Team, so you can retire or get let go, your choice.

[John S]

Or perhaps Mark has decided it's time to have a more traditional stay at home life with his long time partner Ann Neal.
Sometimes quality of family life is more important than the need for speed.