Webber still in Red Bull's plans for 2014
Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz has assured Mark Webber he has not been ruled out of the running for a seat with his team for next year.
Speculation has been rife about Webber's future since three-times world champion team-mate Sebastian Vettel blatantly ignored team orders to claim victory from the Australian in the Malaysian Grand Prix nine days ago.
While it is certain Webber will see out his contract this season, doubts whether he will given a new one-year deal, or whether he has the motivation to continue with Red Bull, have surfaced.
Mateschitz, who has long been a supporter of Webber, has claimed if the 36-year-old wishes to continue then he will be firmly considered.
"Whether he retires, only he will choose, but Mark is definitely a candidate for 2014," Mateschitz told German publication Speedweek.
"He is always welcome with us, so too would be a quick junior like (Jean-Eric) Vergne or (Daniel) Ricciardo from the Toro Rosso team.
"Sorry, I know it's a diplomatic answer which leaves everything open, but that's how it is. Everything else is pure speculation."
The same goes for Kimi Raikkonen who has been a stand-out performer since his return to Formula One with Lotus at the start of last season.
The Finn already has links to Mateschitz as he competed for the Red Bull-backed Citroen Junior Team in the World Rally Championship in 2010 and 2011.
Offering an intriguing viewpoint on Raikkonen, Mateschitz said: "Kimi is cool and fast and always a candidate."
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