Mark Webber has extended his contract with Red Bull for another Formula One season, the team said on Tuesday.
The agreement comes two days after the 35-year-old Australian won the British Grand Prix in Silverstone and means Webber will partner two-time world champion Sebastian Vettel in 2013 for a fifth season.
“It’s great to be able to make this announcement off the back of the win in Silverstone,” Webber said in a statement on the team’s website.
“I’m looking forward to competing on the edge and pushing myself in every race again next season.” Webber narrowly beat Alonso on Sunday and was also victorious at the Monaco Grand Prix.
“I’m high on confidence at the moment and firing on all cylinders,” he said.
“I know the team well and I’m very comfortable here; we have grown together over the years and it feels like absolutely the right thing to stay with Red Bull for another season.” Contract negotiations had not been expected until the summer break, but team principal Christian Horner said it was “a logical decision” to extend the contract.
“Mark has driven very well in the first nine races of this season and his performance has been impressive,” he said.
“Much of his Formula One success has been during his time with Red Bull Racing and together we have achieved 10 poles, nine wins and 31 podiums.” The agreement ends speculation Webber could move to Ferrari as a replacement for Felipe Massa.
“There were discussions with Ferrari, but my decision was to stay here,” Webber said.
