Only one and a half points separates the two drivers in the overall classification, as Vettel leads Webber in 3rd and 4th place respectively.
Although several voices suggested that Webber now feels the pressure to deliver good results for the Milton Keynes team, the Aussie insisted the heat is now entirely on Vettel's shoulders. Having already become grand prix winner in the Great Circle and attracting nicknames like “baby-Schumacher” in recent years, Vettel is now pressured to live up to the expectations set by his own self.
“It's the first time I've had someone so quick as my team-mate, and I've always said that's what it's all about - at this level, you want to compare yourself to the best guys. Vettel is hot property at the moment and he's done a great job to get where he is, but there's just a point and a half between us in the championship,” said Webber in an interview with BBC.
“People ask me if I feel under pressure, but I think there's more pressure on Sebastian. In people's eyes, I'm not supposed to be doing what I'm doing. People think he's the new Schumacher and should be hosing it, but it's good that's not the case. I don't feel any more pressure than when I'm driving for 10th or 12th. There's no pressure to prove anything to anyone but myself,” added the Australian driver.
Webber also insisted that he won't feel less of a driver should the team decide to focus solely on Vettel for the drivers' race, in case the German driver will have a huge point-margin from him later in the season.
“In terms of the championship, at this stage you have to let the drivers do what they do. In Turkey last time out, the team just let us get on with it, which is good. If Sebastian was 25 points ahead of me now it'd be a different ball game but he's not - we're both still trying to close the gap on Jenson Button, which is proving pretty difficult,” concluded the Red Bull driver.
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