Webber will not seek new manager

The Austrailian had been part of Briatore's management stable for many years, but the FIA has ordered an end to all Briatore's dealings with drivers as part of his ban from international motorsport in the wake of the race-fixing affair. The governing body has said it will not renew the superlicence of any driver still managed by the Italian.

Webber said he had no complaints about the way Briatore had handled his career and would not seek a new manager.

"I've had Flavio looking after me for 11 years now," the Red Bull driver said. "I never looked at the contract since I signed it the first year. He has been sensational for me and I won't work with anyone else in the future if I can't work with him."

He believes Briatore will be missed by Formula 1 despite the manner of his exit.

"He is a very good character for our sport and a lot agree with that," said Webber. "It doesn't seem he will be around for a good while but that is the way it is."

But while Webber remained positive about his involvement with Briatore, he admitted the scandal itself had been a major blow to F1.

"I don't think it is ideal for our sport, we all love this sport and strive hard to get here," he said. "It is something you aspire to, as journalists you aspire to work in a top line sport and it is a shame we are not reporting on activities we should be reporting on, and it's been the case like that for a few years now.

"I am running out of patience sticking up for the sport as other people I am sure are as well."