Considering Mark Webber’s career at Monaco raises an intriguing question – will he achieve greatness this weekend by securing his third F1 victory in the Principality? He has consistently been one of the top contenders in recent years, with his two victories placing him ahead of peers like Kimi Raikkonen, Fernando Alonso, and Lewis Hamilton, each of whom has only one win in this prestigious Formula 1 event. Mark Webber is passionate about racing in Monaco, yet he prefers different surroundings for personal living. The gritty Australian racer for Red Bull has claimed victory in the most glamorous event on the Formula One calendar twice in recent years, considering those moments among the highlights of his career. However, he favors the great outdoors and, unlike many other drivers, has opted for a simple lifestyle in the English countryside with his dogs and partner over the opulence of the Mediterranean millionaires’ and tax exiles’ enclave. “I believe if given the choice, these guys probably wouldn’t choose to live here,” he commented while gesturing out from the floating Red Bull hospitality center, docked at the Monaco quayside. “I appreciate the dramatic scenery; the ocean and cliffs are beautiful. It’s quite exceptional to have a racetrack here. “But in terms of all the small dogs and the handbags, that’s not really my style, mate.” Webber achieved his wins from pole position in 2010 and 2012, while his teammate, triple champion Sebastian Vettel, who resides in Switzerland, took the victory for Red Bull in 2011. After his first win, the Australian famously leaped into the harbor, and if he manages to collect another trophy from Prince Albert on Sunday, he can be expected to perform backflips into the team’s swimming pool on the deck of their ‘energy center.’ Although he hasn’t yet won a race this season—being thwarted in Malaysia when Vettel ignored team orders to pass him—Monaco presents a genuine opportunity for Webber to elevate his career win total to double figures. “It’s treated me well, mate. I hope it continues,” he said with a smile. “This weekend we’re given another chance, which is really exciting. Growing up, I raced on street circuits in Australia, like Adelaide in Formula Ford and Surfer’s Paradise. From a young age, I was familiar with having those barriers quite close.” Webber has two wins each at Monaco, Brazil, and Silverstone, with additional victories in Hungary, Spain, and Germany. With its tight corners and metal barriers, the Mediterranean street circuit can be perilous and unforgiving, yet Webber prefers this over modern, purpose-built tracks that allow drivers to make significant errors with limited consequences due to expansive runoffs. “The margin for error is minimal here…it’s a different situation than Bahrain, where it’s nearly impossible to crash a car,” he observed. “But here, you can; therefore, it’s crucial to maintain mental awareness and remain disciplined throughout the weekend as best as possible.”