- Red Bull
Webber departure will be a loss for me - Vettel
Sebastian Vettel says the departure of Mark Webber from Red Bull will be a loss to him.
The two drivers have had many on-track incidents during their five years as team-mates, with the most high-profile this season coming when Vettel infamously snatched victory from Webber in Malaysia. However, Vettel says not enough is made of the professional success of their pairing and that he has learned a lot from his team-mate.
"I think generally people have a worse impression of the relationship that we've had," Vettel said. "People tend to forget how successful we have been; I think it has been one of the strongest pairings in Formula One. Obviously we didn't have the best relationship on a personal level but I think in terms of working professionally together for the team it has been very strong.
"Both of us have tried very hard to improve the car and surely the fact that he will not be around next year will be a loss for the team, a loss for myself because it has been always a huge challenge. I've learned a lot from him and I can stand up straight and say that there were many times and many places where I benefited from him.
"You could obviously say the same thing the other way around but I think - as I said - we've been extremely successful together and in that regard for sure it will be a hit for the team. But equally it is a new season, a new step next year anyway and with Daniel coming in a new time starts as well."
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