RBR open to giving Webber priority

Although the team is adamant that both its drivers will be treated equally while they remain in contention for the championship, Red Bull concedes that under certain circumstances it could call on Sebastian Vettel to help his team-mate instead.

Speaking at Interlagos on Thursday, Red Bull Racing team boss Christian Horner said: "I think we're in a slightly unique situation amongst the teams in that we've got two drivers that fairly genuinely are in contention.

"Obviously Ferrari played their card a while ago and with McLaren whilst Jenson [Button] mathematically stands a chance, there are a lot of probabilities that will probably work against him. Whereas with our guys, obviously Mark's 11 points behind and is the closest contender to Fernando [Alonso] and Sebastian is within a race win.

"Certainly going into this weekend we'll continue to back both drivers with absolute equality, but inevitably the mathematics talk for themselves.

"Both drivers drive for the team and will inevitably do the best that they can for the team. You don't need a rocket scientists to work out the points and those permutations.

"It's a situation that really depends on how things unfold not just this weekend, but also Abu Dhabi in a week's time. But certainly going into this weekend, both drivers still have a very realistic chance of winning this championship - Mark's obviously better than Sebastian's, but both still in contention."

Although Horner did not give details of when he could see team strategy coming into play, he suggested it would be a no-brainer if Vettel's finishing position was not enough to keep him in the title chase.

"As we all know, team orders are banned," explained Horner. "But you've only got to look at the mathematics. If Fernando beats Sebastian, his championship is over.

"Both drivers are acutely aware of what the mathematics are, and both drive for the team and will do the best that they can for the team.

"But going into the grand prix they both still have that chance of winning the championship and we will continue to support both equally. The mathematics will speak for themselves."