Red Bull gives drivers free rein at Interlagos

RED BULL team principal Christian Horner has placed the onus firmly on Sebastian Vettel to be honourable and allow Mark Webber to claim the Formula One world title should the opportunity arise.

With the stated aim of the constructors’ championship won following Sunday’s one-two finish in the Brazilian Grand Prix, spearheaded by Vettel, the goal now is to wrap up the drivers’ crown.

But with Webber eight points behind Fernando Alonso and Vettel 15 adrift going into Sunday’s season-ending showdown in Abu Dhabi, the situation is a murky one for Horner.

However, Horner has effectively washed his hands of the matter as he has confirmed there will be no discussions before then, and no team orders on the day.

Instead, Horner is leaving it up to his drivers to resolve between themselves, convinced Vettel will do what is right despite the friction that has evolved this season with Webber.

“We will back both drivers equally,” said Horner yesterday.

“At the end of the day I am sure they will do whatever is right for the team. I have zero doubt about that.

“So there will be no team orders, and I don’t think there are any difficult decisions to be made.

“If they find themselves in a situation where one, because he can’t win, needs to help the other then I can only imagine that they will do that. It will have to be a driver decision.”

The inference is that it all comes down to Vettel, who only last week was slighted by Webber when the Australian claimed the young German was being emotionally favoured by Red Bull.

Although Vettel yesterday dropped a broad hint he would aid Webber, there is no guarantee he will do so.

Horner appreciates that, but ultimately feels Vettel has it within himself to act accordingly.

“Nobody can foresee what’ll happen next weekend,” added Horner.

“But you only have to look at the characters of the individuals who drive for us to recognise they will do their best to ensure the best team results.

“Had there been a situation in Brazil, if Fernando had been ahead, then Sebastian would have done what was right for the team.”

Horner insisted there had been no discussion with Vettel over the issue, that it is simply a feeling given the working relationship he has built up with the 23-year-old. “I just know the character of the guy,” said Horner.

“When your nearest rival is your team-mate, it is perhaps the most uncomfortable rivalry you can have in the pit-lane. But ultimately they drive for a great team and I have no doubt both of them will do their best, not only for themselves, but for the team.”