Mark Webber remains coy on his future in Formula 1 beyond his current contract with Red Bull, which expires at the end of the year.

Webber has enjoyed an adventurous start to the 2011 formula 1 season, culminating in a spectacular third place finish at the Chinese Grand Prix, having started in 18th.

Doubts had been raised about his race speed and place within the team after he struggled at the opening two races of the season in Australia and Malaysia, races his team-mate Sebastian Vettel won.

The Australian has previously hinted he could retire from the sport if Red Bull do not decide to offer him an extension on his current deal, and Red Bull chief Christian Horner maintained that while Webber was still producing the goods on track, then he would keep his racing seat for next season.

“Mark has made it quite clear he wants to finish his career with Red Bull. He has no desire to go to another team and while he is delivering we have no desire to change.” He commented.

“When the Championship ends this year my contract with Red Bull also expires. But confirmation (on my future) does not depend on the results. I want to win for myself. We’ll see. If the team doesn’t want me anymore, I will have to ask myself a question – hang up my helmet or change teams?”

However the 34-year-old seemingly counteracted Horner’s remarks and refused to rule out leaving the Milton Keynes-based team for pastures new at the end of the season.

“Last year I fought for the title and I will do it again this year. I am relaxed and feel I will be until the end,” he told Italian paper La Sampa.

“When the Championship ends this year my contract with Red Bull also expires. But confirmation (on my future) does not depend on the results. I want to win for myself. We’ll see. If the team doesn’t want me anymore, I will have to ask myself a question – hang up my helmet or change teams?” he added.

Speculation over Webber’s future at Red Bull has been rife since allegations of favouritism emerged last season after team-mate and championship rival Sebastian Vettel was handed the front wing from his car at the British Grand Prix. Webber subsequently won the race at Silverstone, where he remarked “not bad for a number two driver”, a slight upon his perceived place in the team.

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