“We also took a decision to invest in youth and we have two really exciting
youngsters entering grand prix racing in Jean-Eric Vergne and Daniel
Ricciardo — both really talented drivers and both deserve that opportunity.
So we’re more likely to look inwardly than outwardly.”
Asked why he would not want the two strongest drivers he could possibly have,
Horner answered: “It is important to have the right balance within any team,
not just with the drivers but throughout the organisation.
“Whether or not it could work, who knows? Our preference would probably be to
go with drivers in whom we have invested from a young age, give them the
opportunity and see how they evolve rather than take something external.”
With Ferrari having signed Fernando Alonso to a long-term contract, Hamilton’s
most likely course of action is to stay at McLaren although Mercedes are
potential suitors depending on Michael Schumacher’s future and their own
rate of development.
Horner added that Webber may well be retained beyond this season.
“I certainly don’t think Mark is going into this year thinking this is his
last year,” he said. “He is motivated, he is hungry, he sees a future beyond
the end of 2012. I think that inevitably drivers get to a certain age — he
is 36 this year — and it becomes logical to take things one step at a time
which is what both Mark and the team agreed to do.
“It’s just nice for the team to have some options in the youngsters we are
investing in, should that opportunity arise or be required; should Mark wish
to stop for example. There are no guarantees that those guys will be ready
in 12 months. It might take two years, or even three.”