Mark Webber has extended his contract with Red Bull Racing for another season.
The Australian’s recent form had led to his being linked to other drives, an idea which gained momentum with Red Bull’s public support for his team-mate Sebastian Vettel after their coming-together in Turkey.
But today the rumour mill stopped, with Webber agreeing another year with the Milton Keynes squad.
“It was an easy decision to remain with Red Bull Racing. We began talking very early this year and were in a position to sign by the Barcelona Grand Prix,” Webber said in a statement.
“The decision to extend for a further year was a mutual one; it’s widely known that I’m not interested in hanging around in Formula 1 just for the sake of it and at this stage of my career, I’m happy to take one year at a time.
“I continue to feel very comfortable here – I have a fantastic relationship with the whole team and the factory at Milton Keynes feels like home. It’s been incredible to be part of the team as it’s moved forward from a mid-field competitor to one that is challenging for the Championship.
“I hope we experience more success together in the future and achieve our ultimate goal of winning the world championship.”
Team principal Christian Horner added: “The decision to retain Mark was very straightforward. He is an important member of our team and is currently in the best form of his career, as the current leader of the drivers’ championship. The team is extremely happy that the driver pairing of Mark and Sebastian will remain unchanged for a third season in 2011.”