Mark Webber says choosing Red Bull over Ferrari was an 'easy' decision

The Australian's British Grand Prix victory proved the catalyst for him and his Milton Keynes-based outfit to finalise a deal for next year, even though team principal Christian Horner suggested at the weekend that they would still hold back for a while before beginning talks.

Webber says the prospect of fighting for the world championship this year, and his in-depth knowledge of the way Red Bull Racing operated, were key factors that made him choose to stick with his current team once again.

When asked if that decision was ultimately an easy one, Webber said: "In the end, yes it was. It's been an interesting few months, but overall the continuity and desire for me to continue at Red Bull Racing was very strong.

"My main focus is on this year's championship, which is very important. In addition it's an amazing bunch of guys and girls at Red Bull Racing and I really, really like working with them. That has a huge effect on me and how I perform in the car and it helped me in my decision."

Talking about offers he had elsewhere, Webber said: "There were discussions with Ferrari, but my decision was to stay here."

With Webber locked in a close title battle, he thinks there will be benefits to wrapping up his contract for next year right now.

"I've been hearing different rumours and reasons for a long time now," he said. "At the end of the day I know everything that has been going on. You want to make sure your focus is clearly on driving the car and the guys that you're working with. It's important the team knows you're 100 per cent with them, which, of course, I am."

Webber also says his future beyond 2013 is open, and ultimately depends upon what he is producing on track.

"I've been asked this question for the past four years and my answer remains the same," he replied when asked if 2013 would be his last season in Formula 1. "It's a results-based sport at the front of the grid so the future lies in my own hands. It's down to me to deliver the on-track results."