Horner praises drivers' sportsmanship

Vettel clinched the championship by winning in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, while Webber - who started the weekend with a better chance of the title - could only finish eighth and ended up third in the standings.

Despite his two drivers clashing on track during the year, Horner says they made it a "tremendous year" and stood by his decision not to impose any team orders.

"Those guys have been awesome competitors this year," he said. "It has been done in a sporting manner on the track and it has been a tremendous year for Formula 1.

"To have done it the right way, to have won it on the circuit as well. I am just delighted with the way that Sebastian drove today. The fact that we did it without team orders, the fact that at the end of the day the best guy won it - that's the way it should be."

He believes Vettel would have moved aside for Webber, had he been able to help Webber's effort if he was out of the running himself.

"I have no doubt about it," Horner said. "Seb is a team player and there was no way in the world we would ever tell him 'you must move out the way'. That would have been down to him.

"I think it was clear in his mind if he had been in that position, I have got no doubt in my mind that he would have done that to ensure we would have got the best team result."

Horner added that Webber will definitely be back with Red Bull next year, and praised the Australian's effort this season.

"Mark is a big part of our team, he is a tremendous driver and he will have another chance next year," he said. "He's pushed Sebastian all the way this year and there has been very little to choose between them at times. It's see-sawed in form between the two of them.

"Sebastian has led the championship once this year, which is today - the most important time. He can be very, very proud of what he has achieved this year."