Mark Webber against “paying drivers”

Mark Webber has backed the appointment of Daniel Ricciardo as his successor at Red Bull. For the Australian driver who will leave F1 at the end of the year this is a victory against the trend of 'paying drivers' in F1.

“Daniel deserves this place, that's the most important thing,” he said.

Webber, who arrived on the grid in 2002 with the Minardi team, cannot hide his frustration with the growing influence of 'paying drivers'.

“It has become normal to see a driver win a seat not because of his talent, but because he is paying for it”.

“I don't think it's very good for F1.”

Webber said one exception was the Marussia debut of driver Jules Bianchi, who was able to express his talent despite his car's lack of competitiveness.

“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 nine victories, will compete at Le Mans in 9.

“I think Bianchi did a good job and deserves a chance with a top team in the future.”

Another example, Webber said, is promising Williams rookie Valtteri Bottas.

His teammate in 2013 was Pastor Maldonado, who although he was last year's winner at the Spanish Grand Prix, clearly falls into the 'paying driver' category according to Webber.

“Bottas didn't have an easy life at Williams,” Webber said.

“He had a great qualifying in Canada, when I think he's basically alone in the team, because while Pastor has experience, I don't think Bottas can learn much from him,” he added.