Webber Not Angry with Hamilton for Retirement Comments

With so many rumors about you quitting the world of Formula One at the end of the 2010 season running around, the last thing you need is a fellow racer piggybacking on it in the media. This is exactly what happened during the course of yesterday, when 2008 F1 champion Lewis Hamilton told the reporters in Melbourne that he believes this might be Mark Webber's last year in the series.

“He has the best chance to end on that high this year and I wouldn't be surprised if he is considering it,” said Hamilton.

With Hamilton coming to the media with that prior to Webber's home race, one would have expected for the 33-year old Aussie to strike back. However, asked about the Brit's comments by the local reporters, the Red Bull racer insisted he was not at all bothered by it. Additionally, he assured his fans he has no intention of leaving the sport at the end of 2010.

“I have no intention of retiring whatever kind of season I have. It's Lewis' opinion and he's free to have that. I've not got a big problem with what he said. I'm very happy at the moment. It's a good situation for me,” responded Webber, while at Albert Park yesterday.

The Australian's deal with the Austrian team runs out at the end of the season, and it has been widely rumored in the media that he will be replaced in 2011 by Red Bull-backed Finnish rally driver Kimi Raikkonen. The former Ferrari-an signed a one-year deal with Citroen in the WRC, but is set to make a decision about his future – and potential return to F1 – in the summer of 2010.

A few weeks ago, wanting to put an end to the rumors flying around in the media, Red Bull's owner Dietrich Mateschitz insisted that Webber's contract will be extended in case he'll manage a great season in 2010. Otherwise...