At the end of the 2016 FIA World Endurance Championship, Mark Webber will retire from racing! The six-hour race in Bahrain will be the last time the reigning World Champion will compete as a works driver. Fortunately, however, his retirement from racing does not mean the end of his relationship with Porsche.
What’s Next For Mark Webber
Webber is still in top form with no real need to quit his professional race career. His lap times still top the time-sheets, he remains fit, his experience is priceless and his relationship with his teammates has bonded into lasting friendships. As a result, Webber will transition into a new role at Porsche representing them at global events and as a consultant by lending his experience to the motorsport program (including talent research and driver training for up and coming professionals and the huge number of worldwide Porsche amateur racers). Similar to the role rally legend Walter Röhrl plays, Webber is now the marque’s second representative. Both are distinguished by a successful racing career as well as by a huge affinity to Porsche.
“I have arrived where I belong”, says Mark Webber. “Porsche is the brand I always loved most and the one that suits me the best. The 911 is iconic – it has got elegance, performance and understatement, and is never intrusive. It is just the right car for every scenario.” He continues: “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.”
Mark’s affinity to Porsche is actually nothing new. As a teenager he drove a 911, borrowed from a friend, and when he bought his own first Porsche he went straight for a Turbo model. Today his personal collection includes a 918 Spyder, a 911 R, a GT3 RS (991), a 911 GT2 RS (997), a 911 GT3 RS 4.0, a 1954 356 Cabriolet and a 1974 2.7 Carrera.
Highlights of Mark Webber’s Career
- 2016 Porsche works driver WEC, LMP1, wins at the Nürburgring, Mexico City and Austin
- 2015 Porsche works driver WEC, LMP1 , Drivers’ World Champion with Bernhard/Hartley, 4 wins (Nürburgring, Austin, Fuji, Shanghai), 3 pole positions, 2nd at Le Mans
- 2014 Porsche works driver WEC, LMP1 , 3rd Silverstone, Fuji and Bahrain , Pole position São Paulo
- 2013 3rd Formula One World Championship (Infiniti Red Bull Racing)
- 2012 6th Formula One World Championship (Red Bull Racing), 1st Monaco, Silverstone
- 2011 3rd Formula One World Championship (Red Bull Racing) , 1st São Paulo
- 2010 3rd Formula One World Championship (Red Bull Racing) , 1st Barcelona, Monaco, Silverstone, Budapest
- 2009 4th Formula One World Championship (Red Bull Racing) , 1st Nürburgring, São Paulo
- 2008 11th Formula One World Championship (Red Bull Racing)
- 2007 12th Formula One World Championship (Red Bull Racing)
- 2006 14th Formula One World Championship (WilliamsF1 Team)
- 2005 10th Formula One World Championship (BMW WilliamsF1 Team)
- 2004 13th Formula One World Championship (Jaguar Racing)
- 2003 10th Formula One World Championship (Jaguar Racing)
- 2002 16th Formula One World Championship (KL Minardi Asiatech)
- 2001 2nd Formula 3000 Championship (3 wins), Formula One test driver (Benetton Renault)
2000 3rd Formula 3000 Championship (EFR/Arrows, 1 win), Formula One test driver (Arrows) - 1999 FIA GT Championship (AMG Mercedes, opt out after the Le Mans 24 Hours)
- 1998 2nd FIA GT Championship (AMG Mercedes, 5 wins)
- 1997 4th British Formula 3 Championship (1 win)
- 1996 2nd British Formula Ford Championship (4 wins) , Winner Formula Ford Festival Brands Hatch
- 1995 4th Australian Formula Ford Championship, 3rd Formula Ford Festival Brands Hatch
1994 Debut Australian Formula Ford Championship - 1991-1993 Karting