Horner still hoping to re-sign Webber

Christian Horner is hoping that Red Bull’s team-orders row at Silverstone will not jeopardise their chances of re-signing Mark Webber…

Christian Horner is hoping that Red Bull’s team-orders row at Silverstone will not jeopardise their chances of re-signing Mark Webber.

During Sunday’s British GP, Webber was told to hold station behind Sebastian Vettel as the duo neared the end of the grand prix lying in second and third place respectively.

The Aussie was not happy with the team’s call and later admitted that he “ignored” the orders and continued racing his team-mate.

Horner in turn was rather displeased with Webber’s admission, revealing he would have a “private” chat with his driver in the days after the race.

However, there is be a bigger issue than Sunday’s result as Red Bull and Webber have yet to agree a contract for next season. The two parties are reportedly already in talks and were coming close to signing a new deal.

Horner now hopes Sunday’s antics will not affect that.

“I sincerely hope not. But, at the end of the day, it is about the team,” he told Autosport.

“I can understand that sometimes a driver will be frustrated with an instruction, but my responsibility is to ensure the team optimises its results.

“And there would have been absolutely no benefit in both cars coming back on a tow truck today if they had got together, as we so nearly saw Hamilton and Massa do on that last lap.”