Mark Webber has had his contract extended by Red Bull Racing to the end of next year, on the back of his superb recovery from serious injury.
The Milton Keynes-based team’s hierarchy have been strongly impressed by the way Webber has fought back from his pre-season cycling accident into contention for the world championship.
The Australian won last time out in Germany and looks to have the momentum to carry the fight to his team-mate Sebastian Vettel and current championship leader Jenson Button.
“I’m extremely happy Red Bull and I have been able to agree to race together again next year,” said Webber.
“Even in the leaner and tougher years at the start of my relationship with the team, I’ve always enjoyed working with them, so now to go through this purple patch, which we hope will continue for a good while to come, makes the work even more enjoyable.”
Red Bull’s policy of only adding a year to Webber’s contract reflects their emphasis on youthfulness, as it is felt Webber – at 32 – may be entering the twilight of his career. Red Bull have a well-known driver development policy that pushes young hopefuls into Formula One. However, with Webber recently being likened to fellow late-bloomer Nigel Mansell, team owner Dietrich Mateschitz and RBR boss Christian Horner may want to keep the Australian on the books.
Especially if he wins the world championship.
