Webber denies Sunday to be last F1 race

Mark Webber on Thursday denied that Sunday’s Abu Dhabi grand prix could be his last.

The Australian, in the running for the 2010 title, was outspoken about his position at Red Bull a week ago in Brazil, sparking rumours he is set to walk away not only from Red Bull but also formula one.

But the 34-year-old has a contract for 2011 and he told Auto Motor und Sport that he is still feeling good about his career.

“I still feel butterflies in my stomach before a race. When I no longer care if I’m beaten or not, that’s the time to stop,” he told the German publication.

But Webber, who has lived in the UK for years, admits that it has been hard at times to be away from his real home.

“A racer’s life takes a lot of effort and many sacrifices,” he said.

“My opponents live in Europe and between races often go home. But I’m in Australia maybe five weeks a year. I still have the motivation at the moment,” added Webber.

But he is not willing to commit beyond 2011.

“Yes, pretty much I’m taking (my career) on a year by year basis,” he told the Australian news agency AAP, also denying he has any plans to quit after Sunday.

But he acknowledges that retirement is looming at some point in the future.

“I’m a little bit wary of it,” he continued to Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport.

“For everyone in it (F1), your whole rhythm of life revolves around it. When you wake up on Monday morning, you check on the computer the data from the race sent by the team.

“Then I speak to my race engineer on the phone. Your life (in retirement) takes a whole new direction.

“It will be a new experience. You’ve spent most of your life doing nothing else but racing. I’m not there yet, but I really want to get the timing right.”

© RIF | GMM