Webber: My title ship has sailed

Editor

Mark Webber has conceded that the 2010 World Championship was his last chance to win the Formula One title…

Mark Webber has conceded that the 2010 World Championship was his last chance to win the Formula One title.

The Australian narrowly missed out on the Championship last year after a disastrous final race. He headed into the season finale in Abu Dhabi second in the standings but an eighth-place finish saw him miss out on the title to Red Bull team-mate Sebastian Vettel.

It’s been a different story this year for Webber as he has struggled to get anywhere close to Championship winning form. By contrast, his team-mate has won nine of the 14 grands prix and is set to wrap up his second consecutive title in Japan this weekend.

Webber, who has a contract with Red Bull until the end of the 2012 season, admits his chance to win the sport’s ultimate prize has come and gone.

“Yes of course, I do think that last year was my last chance at being World Champion,” he told Yahoo News Singapore. ” But I’ve pushed very very hard and done many many things that other people could not have achieved so I’m very proud of what I did.

“To win the Championship you need 100% from the team. I think it’s difficult for the team to give 100% to both drivers as we are both demanding. Looking at the start we actually got (in 2011), it’s clear where the support needs to go and I respect that in some way. The team has given me a great opportunity to do well. I ask for a reliable and strong car every weekend and I will give my best. The team knows I always give my best.”

Webber, who is yet to win a race this year and finds himself 127 points behind Vettel in the standings, is confident he will stronger in 2012.

“You can expect a stronger me next season and I hope to get a smooth start like we did in 2010,” said Webber. “For now, I just want to finish it as strong as I can and get some good results.”