Mark Webber's Future

[Wrex]

Alot have dubbed Mark as a future WDC. I dont give titles like that out, because we have seen many given that name only to fall into the massive canyon between potential and reality and never be seen again.

That aside, like Alonso, Kimi, Montoya and Button, he is hot property at the moment. Some here rate him, some dont, but it would seem those that count (the decision makers) have put him on the list of "Drivers we would like".

We are also told he has a contract with Jag for 2005, but few here think he will be dressed in green next year. Some have wearing a BMW racesuit despite the fact both sides have said they have'nt even talked yet.

So where do you think Mark will be next season (or the one after if Jag keep him)? The only thing I would put money on is that he is in a formula 1 car, anything else is just a guess.

Jaguar: Hey, why not. Maybe he likes it there. The team love him, he seems to get along well, and lets face it, putting a Jag on the front row does more for your stock that a Williams. Could Ford decide they finally have a winner and chuck in the funds needed to push them to the front?

Renault: If there is a man other than Bernie that knows how to put a deal together and come up rosey, its Flav. With Renault on the up, an Alonso/Webber combination could be leathal. Give these 2 the car, and people have one Contructors championships with alot worse.

Williams: At this forum and others, the odds on favorite. I admit, I would love to see it too, and think he would fit in well there. Added to this, he will learn a great deal there that will help him in his quest to become WDC.


ok now some weird ones, but not totally unthinkable.

Ferrari: If Michael pulls the pin, as much as I like Rubins, he's no leader. Alonso, Kimi & Montoya are all quick enough to lead the team, but again, they are lacking with some of Michaels other attributes. Mark fits them very well. 100:1 shot, but I would'nt drop dead if it happened.

Toyota: I will get laughed at for this one, but think about it. This team has more than enough money to buy his contract (and then some). They are looking for a lead driver, someone that can form a team around them, lets face it, they are looking for a young Michael Schumacher. Add to the list : A great PR man and a team player.

Mark fits that very well. In 1996 Ferrari took an old fasioned (and unused these days apart from Hollywood) shortcut. Best way to become a rising star, is to attach yourself to one.


OK, I'll stop now. The question is, after Jag, where do you think Mark will go?

[Mr V]

Originally posted by Wrex
The question is, after Jag, where do you think Mark will go?

Imo, McLaren are out, 1. because of the Merc accident at le Mans, Mark vowed never to drive for Merc again, and more importantly, Juan Pablo and Kimi are locked in for the next few years.

Also out will be Ferrari, Alonso will be Michaels successor there.

Of the top 4, that leaves either Williams or more likely imo, Renault.

In this weeks Autosport, the guy in charge of Jaguar (his name escapes me) said that they could keep Mark, dependant of championship standings, and the way the Jag has been failing reliability wise etc, Mark might not get to the "heights" where he can leave.

Sir Frank might not want to pay to buy him out of his contract. Flavio doesn't have to pay to release him from that contract, he owns that contract! Until Michael retires, Alonso will remain at Renault imo, but i don't think that Trulli will, so i see Mark as Trulli's replacement.

[enemy-ace]

I voted Jag! That's me really just hoping. I wouldn't knock him if he went to Williams though.

[grumpy1]

Mr V one of Marks biggest fans happens to be MS.He has enough clout with the prancing horse mob to nominate MW as his successor.I also belive that he would nominate MW ahead of his brother.I also know that Falvio and MS are still close so I don't see a problem for Mark to go to Ferrari.There I said it now I will wash my mouth out with soap.
I would love to see Webber/Alonso pairing as both race hard and would give Renault a constructors title probably at there own WDC expense though.
Mark will have an opt out clause in his contract so cash changing hands will not be an issue.(Falvio is not that dumb the clause wouldn't be there)
From what I've heard Frank is falling over himself to obtain MW's autograph on a contract.
The only thing that is certian is young Mr Webber will be in F1 for a time to come.

The Grumpy1

[Skam85]

Williams for mine.

[Panzer]

I voted Jag. I think Williams would destroy him.

[dsg]

Originally posted by Mr V
Sir Frank might not want to pay to buy him out of his contract. Flavio doesn't have to pay to release him from that contract, he owns that contract! Until Michael retires, Alonso will remain at Renault imo, but i don't think that Trulli will, so i see Mark as Trulli's replacement.

As I understand it wouldn't Renault still have to compensate Jaguar to have Mark released from his contract?

I'm also not sure if Mark would want to become a No:2 driver or would Renault give both drivers equal standing?

[freud]

Webber is a Williams driver in 2005... Unless Ralf stays.

[Wrex]

Originally posted by dsg
I'm also not sure if Mark would want to become a No:2 driver or would Renault give both drivers equal standing?

I think Renault would be similar to MacLaren is that there would be equal treatment until one dominated the other.

I think Renault is unlikely if Alonso is still there. Like Kimi and Montoya, ones stock will go up, the other down. For Flav, thats not a good prospect.

[jetsetter]

I think he will be a Williams driver in 2005 although an Alonso/Webber partnership at Renault certainly has a lot of appeal.

[GTV27]

If he leaves Jaguar, I'd say it will be to Williams - although I do like the Ferarri theory, but can't see Mikey giving it all away for a few years yet.

[golem]

I'll go out on a limb, and say Jag next year as my 1st guess. They may just keep him.

[Mark Webber]

Jag would be the best option for F1 IF ford uped the $$$$$

Renault would make pure cents the fact that Webber / Alonso would win the WCC would be a huge factor in the process and possilbitly of a WDC would be a real option

Williams - well I don't like williams but the fact Mark would win a WDC in a williams would be almost granted .

My heart says JAG - my head says Renault but the realife chance is Mark will give williams true ///M POWER in 05

[golem]

I don't think it'll necessarily be granted anymore. Schu at Ferrari (He'll be kicking backsides into his 40's, I fear.) Alonso in the Renault, Pablo-Kimi if McLaren get back on it, and Button on a rising BAR. There's so many potentially strong teams in the future. I don't think I'd like to be predicting.
Numbers and history say Mac/Willy/Fazza are the top choices but Renault and BAR can't be written off anymore. So far, they look just like they've gained something. The team speed looks more complete, even after Renault's drop at malaysia it still looked to me like the car is up there.

[Meroo]

Williams are the best bet.

[fiona]

i honestly think he will go to Williams either in 2005 or 2006 when his contract expires