![\"Mark-Webber-1\"](\"https:\/\/www.racinginfocus.com\/rif\/gallery\/f1-2013-rif-images\/f1-2013-drivers\/Mark-Webber-1.jpg\")
“Daniel deserves the job, which is the most important thing,” he said.<\/p>\nMark Webber has backed the appointment of Daniel Ricciardo as his Red Bull successor as a win against the trend of ‘pay drivers’ in F1.<\/p>\n
“Daniel deserves the job, which is the most important thing,” he said.<\/p>\n
Webber, who arrived on the grid in 2002 with the struggling Minardi team, cannot hide his frustration with the growing influence of ‘pay drivers’.<\/p>\n
“It has become normal to see a driver getting a seat not because of his talent, but because he’s paying,” the plain-speaking Australian is quoted by Brazil’s Totalrace.<\/p>\n
“I don’t think that’s very good for F1.”<\/p>\n
Webber said one exception has been the debut at Marussia of the strongly Ferrari-linked Jules Bianchi, who has been able to express his talent despite the lack of competitiveness of his car.<\/p>\n
“It’s not easy when you have a slow car — I’ve been in that situation with Minardi,” said the 37-year-old, who at the end of a career spanning more than 200 races and 9 wins, is departing for Le Mans sports cars in 2014.<\/p>\n
“I think he (Bianchi) has done a good job and deserves a chance with a top team in the future.”<\/p>\n
Another example, said Webber, is the promising Williams newcomer Valtteri Bottas.<\/p>\n
His teammate in 2013 has been Pastor Maldonado, who although the winner of last year’s Spanish grand prix, clearly falls into Webber’s ‘pay driver’ category.<\/p>\n
“Bottas has not had an easy time at Williams,” said Webber.<\/p>\n
“He did a great qualifying in Canada when I think he is basically alone in the team, because while Pastor has experience, I don’t think Bottas can learn a great deal from him,” he added.<\/p>\n
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