Briatore Would Benefit from Mark Webber's F1 Title

Flavio Briatore's presence in the F1 paddock in recent months have triggered plenty of reactions from both the international media and people inside the sport. The most common explanation given to the Italian's new decision to spend his weekends was that the 60-year old is planning to become more actively involved in the management of the Great Circus, alongside friend and business partner Bernie Ecclestone.

However, according to Germany's Bild newspaper, it seems there could be an ulterior motive for Briatore to keep in touch with the Formula One action. As you all know, he still manages Red Bull Racing's Mark Webber, one of the title contenders in the 2010 campaign.

In case the 33-year old Australian becomes world champion with Red Bull this season, he would be in a better position to renegotiate his F1 deal(s) for the future, including a bigger 20 percent commission for his manager. Consequently, it would be an understatement to say that Briatore wants his driver to clinch the F1 title in 2010. The Australian driver is currently paid EUR8 million per season by Red Bull.

Additionally, the same publication hinted that Mark Webber's outspoken criticism at his teammate following the wing-saga were orchestrated by Briatore himself, as the Italian believes public pressure would ensure Webber will have a better chance at a bigger contract in the future.

Soon after crossing the finish line of the British Grand Prix, Webber told his engineer via radio “Not bad for a No 2 driver,” after which he admitted in the post-race interviews that he would have never signed a one-year extension to his Red Bull deal had he known he will be treated this way.