Sir Frank Williams has conceded that his team didn’t realise Mark Webber’s full potential when the Australian drove for the Grove-based outfit in 2005 and 2006.
Webber joined Williams after leaving Jaguar in 2004 after limited success, having scored just 25 points in two years. A move to Williams bought a podium finish and 10th place in the championship, however a second year with the team failed to meet expectations.
Which led to the 33-year-old moving to Red Bull in 2007 where he has progressed to lead the championship for the first time in his career.
Frank though isn’t bitter about Webber’s success, in fact he is ‘delighted’ and admits the car he provided Webber back in 2005/06 wasn’t good enough.
“I can honestly say, no bulls***, I’m delighted,” said the 68-year-old. “He’s worked very hard, he’s as straight as they come.
“I’ve seen him in airports and when people stop him he has all the time for them. Very impressive.
“When we had him obviously our car was a disappointment and we felt he was part of the problem,” explained Frank. “He probably wasn’t actually, with hindsight.”
When asked whether or not Webber was as quick as team mate Sebastian Vettel, Frank replied: “The end of the year will show it, they’ve got equal cars.
“Mark’s obviously on top form, and assuming Vettel is on top form, it’s pretty even stevens.”
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