"Mark is in the autumn of his career"Red Bull has pledged driver equality for the 2010 title fight, whilst openly admitting that Sebastian Vettel is regarded as the man of the future.
"The main thing now is that we become world champions," said Helmut Marko, who was accused earlier this year of wanting Vettel to beat Australian Webber to the top spot.
But with Webber 14 points clear, and Vettel level-pegging with Ferrari’s chasing Fernando Alonso, the Austrian-owned team must give the 34-year-old an unimpeded run to the chequered flag.
For the future, however, Red Bull’s ambitions are well known.
"I repeat: we are building the team around Sebastian," team boss Christian Horner is quoted by Auto Bild.
"Sebastian has a long career ahead of him and hopefully he will spend it with us," said the Briton. "Mark is in the autumn of his career.
"He wants to retire while he’s at the top, not when he’s past his peak like some other drivers," added Horner.
1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve, however, thinks Red Bull are making a mistake by giving 23-year-old Vettel so much cover.
"Just look at the differing seasons Mark and Sebastian have had," the French Canadian is quoted by the Telegraph.
"Vettel has shown he has an impetuous streak but if he makes a mistake and the team don’t tell him it was his fault, he won’t learn.
"It’s Red Bull’s fault for spoiling him," insisted Villeneuve.
Source: Nextgen
