Sebastian Vettel vs Mark Webber
Red Bull's Honda-powered return to glory in 2021.
The Red Bull Racing RB16 and RB16B are Formula One racing cars designed and constructed by Red Bull Racing to compete during the 2020 and 2021 Formula One World Championships, respectively. They were powered by Honda's RA620H (2020) and RA621H (2021) power units.
Quick Facts
- Championships won together
- 4 (Constructors' only; Webber never won a Drivers' Championship)
- Key turning point
- Malaysian Grand Prix 2013
- Resolution status
- Ended with Mark Webber's retirement in 2013
Lore & Background
The 2021 car won the drivers' title with Max Verstappen, marking the team's first World Championship title in 8 years since Sebastian Vettel won the drivers' title and the team won the constructors' title in 2013. The drivers for 2020 were Max Verstappen and Alexander Albon, with Sergio Pérez taking Albon's place for 2021. Albon became the team's test and reserve driver for the 2021 season.
Reader's Guide
The RB16 made its debut at the 2020 Austrian Grand Prix, while the RB16B made its debut at the 2021 Bahrain Grand Prix. The RB16 featured a narrower nose, redesigned barge-board area, smaller side-pod inlets, and a large 'cape' element below the nose. For 2021, Red Bull used development tokens to change the gearbox casing shape, allowing rearrangement of the rear suspension and increased rear downforce.
Did You Know?
- The RB16B became the first non-Mercedes car to win any championship since 2013.
- Honda became the first Japanese and Asian engine supplier world champions of the turbo-hybrid era.
- At the 2021 Turkish Grand Prix, the RB16B wore a red and white livery inspired by Honda's 1965 Mexican Grand Prix win.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the drivers involved in this rivalry?
This conflict featured Red Bull teammates Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber competing directly from 2009 to 2013. Their partnership combined a record-hungry German prodigy with an outspoken Australian veteran who felt he deserved team leadership.
What caused the tension between them?
The feud stemmed from clashing temperaments rather than mere lap times, with Webber believing he led the team while Vettel chased records. This internal pressure cooker eventually eroded their professional relationship despite shared victories.
Did they win championships together?
Together, they propelled Red Bull Racing to four consecutive Constructors' Championships from 2010 through 2013. While the team dominated, Vettel claimed the Drivers' title while Webber never secured his own world championship during this era.
What was the turning point of their conflict?
The conflict reached its peak at the 2013 Malaysian Grand Prix when Vettel refused a team order to let Webber lead. This incident highlighted how personal ambition had overtaken team loyalty during their final season together.
How did the rivalry finally end?
The saga concluded with Mark Webber's retirement announcement after the 2013 season ended. Although they achieved four titles together, their partnership dissolved without repairing the fractured team unity.
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