Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsFormula 1

Maldonado needs to go - Webber

Mark Webber believes those who make up the numbers in Formula 1 and who lack professionalism should leave the sport.

The Australian warned of an obvious disparity in talent between those at the front of the grid and those at the back, a consequence according to Webber of the minimal physical demands imposed by F1's current machinery on its drivers.

Speaking to Sky Sports, 'Aussie Grit' went a step further and pinpointed Pastor Maldonado, who is heavily backed by Venezuela's state oil company, as an emblematic example - among others - of a driver who should no longer be in F1.

"They need to be treating that sport with more gusto, more professionalism and more purpose of why they're there and not trivialising by saying 'oh, I'll just come up the next race and have another go'. What other sports work like that? If you're not performing, mate, on your bike, get out of here."

"There are a few of them who are like that and it shouldn't be like that," Webber concluded.

"There just has to be the hunger. You want to see the best guys who are driven, focused, professional, hungry and it means a lot to them."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.