Mark Webber was left ruing a poor strategy decision as he finished eighth in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, missing out on a drivers’ championship that instead went to his teammate Sebastian Vettel.
“It was a big day and we had the chance to do something incredibly unique, but in the end it didn't turn out for us,” said the Aussie, who came home just behind fellow unsuccessful title contender Fernando Alsono
“Earlier in the race we knew we had to roll the dice and go for it with the strategy, but it left us exposed and Fernando covered us. I tried my absolute hardest and we did everything we could, but in the end it wasn't enough.
“You've got to take your hat off to Sebastian, he’s done a great job all year and to lead the Championship at the last race, he's got the timing right and I fully congratulate him on the World Championship.
“I was in with a chance of winning the Championship until the last race, so I must have been doing something right and in the end there are a lot of positives. I feel I have driven very well for most of the season and that’s the most important thing to me. This weekend didn’t turn out and it’s a shame, but it's a good time to reflect in the next few weeks and look back at the highs and the lows but that’s the way the sport is sometimes.
“There have been quite a few emotions over the last couple of weeks; when you come so close to the top and just miss out, it’s a shame, but I tried my absolute hardest and I have great guys around me. I think two championships for the team is not bad and I'll be fighting again next season.”
Christian Horner had some words of consolation for his driver, who actually went into the season finale with more points than his teammate. “We mustn't forget Mark in all this [celebration of Vettel’s title win] and what an incredible job he's done this year,” said the Red Bull team principal. “He's driven superbly well, he's won four grand prix victories and has taken the Championship to the final race. It could have gone to either one of them this year and it's a great privilege to have these two guys in our team.”