RUMOR: Mark Webber to Ferrari in 2011

The latest rumors from the paddock have Mark Webber swapping seats with Felipe Massa at years end. Any thoughts?

F1sa.com

 

Yup.

 

Doubt it.

 

I hope not.

 

While I still don't understand this forum's hatred of the man, I too doubt that this would be true, though he would be faster than Felipe.

 

Doesn't make sense to me. Webber can win one or two races but is he consistent enough for a WDC - not.

Ferrari would be better served trying to get Kubica over.

 

+1

 

I read those rumors earlier and was a bit surprised. I don't HATE Webber, just wouldn't understand the logic (even in the context of wanting a solid #2.) Relatively speaking, wouldn't it make more sense to go after Vettel, Kubica, Rossberg, et al.? At the very least from the perspective of having a driver who has a bit more "runway" ahead of them than MW.

 

Ferrari needs a young gun, not Webber.

 

lol! i can't believe anyone would take this seriously.

it's the standard "win a race - possible ferrari contract" talk.

 

Started by the Mark Webber fan club. To be a good number 2, you need to be consistent in finishing the race and bringing the car home in the points. Something Mark is not good at, but Felipe is.

 

Honestly they should just keep Felipe and let him fight Alonso on equal terms. I'm a firm believer that Massa still can outperform Alonso. I also suspect Fred has shmoozed a bit to get his results. Alonso performing on top = more Santander cash.

 

Actually it makes alot of sense. First off, Vettel & Rosberg are not going anywhere. Renault is going to try like hell to keep kubica. Those three teams will try and build theirteams around those drivers. Same with Ferrari; as long asAlonso behaves, (& Santander doesn't go bankrupt) Alonso will stay longer than 3 years (sad but true). Webber & Alonso are great friends; MW is also known for tremendous work ethic. He would fit into Ferrari the same way Irvine did. A very good, capable #2.
Also in this environment, Ferrari cannot afford two top tier salaries. (see the post about Ferrari layoffs, and fiat bleeding)
just my thoughts....
Kevin

 

Never.

 

Mark would first have to accept that he is not a #1 driver, which he won't.

He would then need to learn how to finish races consistently without crashing into anyone or anything, which he's too old to learn how to do.

Trading Webber for Massa would be a HUGE mistake. And while Ferrari have made a lot of mistakes, they would never make one of this magnitude.

Webber probably knows he's out @ Red Bull next year, and wants to sow the rumor seeds as much as possible. Hopefully he won't get another drive and will take his rightful place as yet another F1 never-was.

 

which makes me think - who is going to get that golden seat at RedBull if Webber leaves?

 

You mean when he retires?

Kubica.

 

+1 to all of the above.

That's a little harsh IMHO!..... I bet $ to donuts if we were to search the archives here after his debut in Aus in the Minardi, where he scored their first points (?), we'd see plenty of posts suggesting the Scuderia "sign him, now!"..... It just didn't work out that way for him. Same with most of 'em - Trulli, Glock, Liuzzi, dear old Rubens, and DLR spring to mind.

Plus, with the stupid testing ban, experience counts for a *lot*. MW's leveraged a pretty good career, and can be quick. I wouldn't mind seeing him back next year.

Cheers,
Ian

 

I'll admit I was big on Webber during his Minardi debut. He seemed to have the right personality to take it to the big names. But, he's turned out to be another 90%-er, like the bulk of them. I don't dislike him, just don't view him as special. I seriously doubt Ferrari are looking at him.

 

I share the same thoughts.

Ferrari need Vettel or Kubica when Alonso's contract ends...

Webber would be good as a second driver for Ferrari though. He CAN win races when necessary, but most of the time is/could be just about there to fend off the rest...

 

Webber to Ferrari: a possibility if Kubica stays with Renault

Massa to Red Bull (as a swap indicates): not gonna happen

However my feeling is, that this is more Mark's wishful thinking than anything. After all he is looking for a seat for 2011 when Kimi gets the second RB.

Also a little birdy told me, that Massa is definitely on his way out.

 

Agreed.

When silly season starts, it's all going to revolve around Kubica and then the others will be scrambling for the empty seats in the annual F1 version of musical chairs.

Kubica is performing miracles with Renault, and is good at stacking up the points. Excellent for a team trying to win the WCC.

Webber's fast, but not consistent enough when viewed in those terms. Unfortunately, like an aging Hollywood actress, his age is working against him. He may be viewed as not having enough prime years left in his career to make this a cost effective move for a top-line team.

A lot of it will come down to Alonso's input as well. If he goes to Ferrari it will be at Alonso's urging (with the Santander bucks behind him). Very much a power play...

Frank

 

Get some young blood in it oh wait never mind.

 

I saw you shed a tear!

But... a tear of sadness, or joy?

 

Who will replace Webber for the coveted driver spot? Rosberg?

Webber at SF? Too old IMVHO. Kubica would be better.