Webber: 'I may lose F1 hunger'

Mark Webber has admitted that he may lose his hunger for Formula One within the next two years.

The Red Bull driver, who currently lies fourth in the drivers' championship, says he is simply “taking each year as it comes” regarding his future at the highest level.

The 33-year-old told German magazine Auto Bild Motorsport: “In two years, perhaps I will not be hungry enough anymore – but that doesn't mean I'll end my career in 2011.

“If you had asked me in 2005 if I would still be in F1 in 2011, I would have said ‘no way!’ People think I'm under pressure because I have to fight each year for a contract, but that's not right.”

The Australian recently signed a new one-year deal to stay with Red Bull for 2011, but there is speculation that the team’s senior management favours his team-mate Sebastian Vettel.

These rumours were exacerbated after the two team’s drivers came together at the Turkish grand prix as they duelled over the lead. Senior team members initially blamed the Australian despite most observers holding Vettel responsible.

Andrew Papworth