Webber: F1 'cannot afford' Mosley scandal

The Red Bull driver also questioned whether Mosley would be able to continue in his position given the allegations made by the News of the World last month.

While Mosley has been criticised by former racers, several national auto clubs and four of Formula One's manufacturers, current drivers have so far been reticent about speaking out on the subject, with only a handful willing to comment about the matter in Bahrain a fortnight ago.

Now Webber has joined their ranks, telling BBC Sport that motor racing cannot afford the kind of negative attention that the scandal has brought.

"I'm not interested in commenting on Mosley specifically - however what concerns me is that the current scandal has brought the sport into disrepute," said the Australian.

"Formula One is the pinnacle of motorsport, all of us involved have worked very hard to get there, and whether we like it or not, we are role models.

"Whether Max chooses to resign or how the vote will go at the extraordinary meeting on 3 June is a matter for him and the FIA membership, but my point is that Formula One simply cannot have scandals of this type."

Mosley is suing the News of the World for unlimited damages, and believes he has done nothing wrong. He plans to continue in his position as FIA president and maintains that his private behaviour should not have any bearing on his role.

But Webber reckons it will be difficult for Mosley to carry out his presidential role in the wake of the scandal.

"He's in a very, very influential position and it's a very, very important role that he has," he said. "And I think that makes it difficult when any of these scandals become public. It would be more challenging for him to do his job."

The Australian added that he was not surprised that many in the paddock had preferred not to comment on Mosley's situation so far.

"I think they are waiting for the extraordinary meeting to take place and obviously a lot of people are sitting on the fence and waiting for the right protocol to see what will happen," Webber said. "I'm sure after 3 June we will have more reaction."