Mark Webber disagrees with new podium system

Mark Webber has expressed disapproval of the new podium system introduced halfway through the 2012 season, which has seen a revised format after the traditional national anthem and trophy ceremony. Now, the flags are no longer fluttering in the wind, but are electronically-generated. Plus the drivers are now interviewed immediately on the podium.

This new routine was carried out after the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, a race which the outspoken Mark Webber won for Red Bull. Instead of the traditional ceremonies and subsequent televised press conference, the drivers are now immediately interviewed on the podium in front of the massing crowds.

On one hand this is another great way to see the drivers interact with the crowd, whereas on the other hand it has inevitably led to some swearing from the drivers. Most notably, last time out after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix both Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel swore whilst being interview by former F1 driver and current BBC pundit David Coulthard. This naturally led to the FIA warning the drivers against using such words on the podium again, however Mark Webber believes the new system is “rubbish” and that swearing is occasionally inevitable.

“You need real flags. The electronic flags look rubbish.” Explained Mark Webber, “You need real flags waving in the wind. Drivers [interviewing] on the podium...? I am 50/50 on that. For swearing, that will never go away. It will always never be far away. You are full of adrenaline. You are excited. You have just had an incredible Grand Prix in general in those cases, so I think sometimes you might not use the right language, but now we have to be mindful of that. It is another part of the weekend where you have to keep an eye on things."

Sebastian Vettel in particular was very apologetic after his choice of words on the podium and later in the traditional press conference, something the German believed was blow out of proportion after the event had occurred. The reigning Wold Champion believes the viewer is in control of what he or she watches, and that it is therefore their choice if they choose to watch a live sport where anything can happen and be said.

“I think if you’re sensitive you should watch - I don’t know - some kids’ programme.” Explained Sebastian Vettel, “You have the remote control in your hand, so you can chose. Surely it wasn’t intentional at the last race. I think it’s a bit unnecessary to create such a big fuss but anyway, if I said some things that weren’t appropriate then I apologize but I think there’s not a lot I have to do differently to succeed in that regard.”

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