Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner not worried about potential friction between Vettel and Webber
Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner says he is not worried about the prospect of any potential friction between his two drivers later this year - with it looking likely the pair are going to be involved in a tight world championship tussle
With memories of the troubles of 2010 still fresh - where Webber and Vettel clashed on track in Turkey and had a row over a front wing at Silverstone - team chiefs are mindful about the potential troubles that could lie ahead.
But Horner believes that the situation between his two men is much better now, which means both they and the team will be better able to cope with any difficulties that could come their way.
"It is a nice headache to have," explained Horner. "But just as we always do - we will do our best to support them and it is down to what they do on the track at the end of the day. Mark won the race [British Grand Prix] because he deserved to win it."
Horner suggests that life has moved on for both drivers since the flashpoints of 2010 - and their increased experience will help defuse any potential trouble.
"I think they have spent more time racing each other. They sit in hundreds of hours of meetings together, working on developing the car. They work as team members and then it is down to what they do on track.
"There is a genuine respect between the two of them. Sebastian has achieved so much in such a short space of time, but he knows in Mark that he has got a very genuine competitor. And Mark knows that Sebastian is the benchmark, or has been the benchmark for the last few years.
"It is a healthy situation for them, and it is a healthy situation for the team."
Horner, whose team has just extended its deal with Webber for 2013, has praised the manner in which the Australian has recovered from a disappointing campaign last year.
"I think 2011 was a very tough year for Mark but, all credit to him, he has gone away, reflected on that season and come back and got himself in great shape," he said. "I think he is very comfortable in his approach and in his mind.
"Possibly some of the regulation changes have helped as well, but he is very much a championship contender. We are in a fortunate position where we have both of our drivers as genuine championship contenders."
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