Horner backs Webber for 2011 title bid

The 34-year-old had the best year of his career - winning four out of seven races during the middle of the season - though he was ultimately beaten by both Vettel and Fernando Alonso in the standings.

When asked during a visit to AUTOSPORT publisher Haymarket's London headquarters whether he thinks Webber has another title push in him, Horner said: "Absolutely, I don't see any reason why not.

"He is driving tremendously well. This year he has performed in an exceptionally hard year and I think there are lessons that he will take out of 2010 that he will build on in 2011.

"I think he'll take a little bit of time to reflect, but when he looks back in the cold light of day at this year, he can be very proud of what he has achieved. He has won four grands prix, he has won the jewel in the crown at Monaco, where he was absolutely supreme, he was in the championship battle right until the last race."

Horner says that Webber will take some time to recover from the disappointment of not winning the title, but expects him to return fresh in 2011.

"So many drivers of the five main contenders can look back at the season with ifs and buts, all having been in contention at some point in the year - the only time Sebastian led the championship was after Abu Dhabi," Horner added.

"Mark led for several months during the summer. Obviously there is disappointment in not having achieved his ultimate goal, but I think he has driven very, very well this year. He will recharge his batteries and will come back in 2011 with the lessons that he has learned this year, and I think he'll push equally as hard and be equally as competitive."