Aston Clinton racing ace Mark Webber will be given the same opportunities as Sebastian Vettel to win this year’s Formula 1 world championship, according to Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz.
The Australian was accused by Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko of being unable to handle the pressure and problems that came with fighting for the title earlier this year.
But Mateschitz told Gazzetta dello Sport that the veteran driver would be given every chance to fight for the title and would be equal to Vettel.
He told the Italian publication: “I’m certain that it will be so.”
The Austrian described Webber as ‘exceptional’.
He added: “Mark is at the same time a strong and charismatic character and an exceptional racing driver.
“It’s a fact that competition begins inside your own team. That means that the environment is tough but friendly, and that’s how it’s supposed to be.”
The news will come as a boost to Webber who previously shrugged off Marko’s remarks in an interview on his personal website last month.
He said: “Look, everyone at this level has their own agendas and it’s been evident for a long time now that I’ve never been a part of Marko’s.”
