True Grit
Rolex Testimonee Mark Webber may have retired from Formula One, but he continues to push the limits of his physical and mental strength, says Karishma Tulsidas
It is no secret that the Marina Bay Street Circuit is one of the most difficult Formula One tracks in the world. For this reason, almost every Singapore Grand Prix has seen its fair share of on-track drama such as this year’s Force India collision on race day. In 2013, Red Bull’s Mark Webber and Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso made headlines when the Australian racer retired on the last lap and hitched a ride from his Spanish rival. While the show of camaraderie earned them both kudos from the media and their fellow drivers, they were also reprimanded for the dangerous stunt they pulled. [When we met Fédération Internationale de l’automobile (FIA) race director Charlie Whiting at this year’s race, he said Webber had ignored warnings from the stewards not to cross the track as there were other cars driving past.] This singular incident offers an insight into the man Webber is—a born risk-taker and adventure-seeker. While he has a streak of competitiveness, he has also forged indelible friendships with his on-track rivals. When we caught up with the man at the Formula 1 2018 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix at the Rolex Paddock Club suite, we were instantly charmed by his easy-going nature and the graciousness with which he answered our burning questions, which included what he missed the most about racing. “The team element,” the now F1 commentator replied instantly. This sense of sportsmanship was inculcated in him during his childhood in New South Wales, Australia by his motorcycle dealer father Alan Webber, who remains a great influence in his life. Lessons of hard work, giving no excuses and how to deal with pressure held the younger
Webber in good stead as he started go-karting professionally at age 14 before embarking upon a successful but arduous career as an F1 driver, which required him to leave home for London at age 17. “I lived in a small box room in London where I could hardly lie down straight, but I had only two choices: roll up my sleeves or go home.” He attributed the world of sports as being his greatest teacher as he learnt many pivotal lessons that would impact him in his personal life as well. “You learn not to rest on your laurels. Sports teaches you great values like resilience because you learn to deal with the ebb and flow of a professional sport, which you can relate to your personal life. People who are psychologically weaker get found out in sports as you need to believe in yourself, and be tenacious and resilient.” The sacrifices he has had to make to reach the pinnacle of his career were not in vain, as he won the Grand Prix nine times in his 12 years of F1 racing. He ranked his maiden win at the 2009 Monaco Grand Prix as one of his proudest moments, not least because the trophy was presented to him by his childhood idol and fellow Rolex Testimonee, Jackie Stewart. To celebrate that huge win, he purchased his first Rolex watch. “I knew that once I did something special, I would buy a Rolex. It had been on my radar for a long time and meant so much to me. Life has come full circle, as my dad used to watch Jackie Stewart race in Australia, and Jackie has spent 50 years with Rolex. He’s my dad’s hero, and he’s fuelled my dad’s desire to see me race, so it was nice to buy myself a Rolex watch, and then later on buy my father one, too.” He also revealed that getting the phone call from Rolex last year inviting him to be part of its Testimonee circle was an emotional moment. “Every driver, be it at the 24 Hours of Le Mans or 24 Hours of Daytona, is always talking about getting a Rolex, and not the trophies. A trophy can’t be with you all the time, but a watch can. To be associated with such an iconic brand that has incredible principles is a big highlight for me.” Post-f1, Webber embarked on the FIA World Endurance Championship with Porsche before hanging up his professional racing gloves for good in 2016. He has since established his own sportswear brand called Aussie Grit and re-entered the F1 circuit as a respected pundit, who is able to give people “more meat on the bone about my story and the sport”. On the side, he continues to push his physical stamina and strength with challenges such as his namesake Mark Webber Tasmania Challenge and the Race Across the Sky. “My wife doesn’t like it when I do extreme events as she knows anything can happen,” he said. “Unfortunately, it’s in my nature. I’ve an endeavour in me to always learn and push myself to the limits. I enjoy the unknown— we never get nervous about getting the groceries! I’ve tougher expectations on myself. It’s a Rolex mentality too, as I’m constantly surrounded by the best people who want to do well.”