F1: Mark Webber given 2014 backing by Red Bull owner

Mark Webber of Australia and Infiniti Red Bull Racing talks with his race engineer Simon Rennie (GETTY IMAGES)

The Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz has assured Mark Webber he has not been ruled out of the running for a drive next year.

Speculation has been rife about the future of Webber, whose contract expires at the end of the season, since team-mate Sebastian Vettel ignored team orders to claim victory from him in the recent Malaysian Grand Prix.

"Whether he retires, only he will choose, but Mark is definitely a candidate for 2014," said Mateschitz, referring to the possibility of a one-year deal for the 36-year-old Australian.