Mark Webber's recent run of success hasn't gone unnoticed especially by the very team that he drives for. With the Aussie leading this year's F1 Drivers Championship standings, Red Bull Racing rewarded its 34-year old racing ace with a contract extension for the 2011 Formula One season.

Webber's extension, coupled with team-mate Sebastian Vettel's upstanding multi-year contract, means that Red Bull's driver line-up for 2011 has pretty much been set in stone already. The extension also appeases growing concerns on whether Red Bull was planning on retaining Webber for next year amidst speculation that former Formula One world champion and Ferrari driver Kimi Raikkonen would make his return to F1 with Red Bull.

We're really happy for Webber for having his recent performances be rewarded by Red Bull. Sure, they have the best car in the entire F1 grid, but somebody still has to drive the thing, right? And, as of now, Mark Webber's doing it over and above everyone else this year.

So congratulations, buddy, err, mate. You deserve it.

Press release after the jump.

Press Release

Red Bull Racing is pleased to announce that Mark Webber's contract has been extended, meaning the Australian will continue to drive for the team in 2011. As Sebastian Vettel is already contracted to the team for next year, this announcement confirms Red Bull Racing's 2011 driver line-up.

Mark Webber said: "It was an easy decision to remain with Red Bull Racing. We began talking very early this year and were in a position to sign by the Barcelona Grand Prix. The decision to extend for a further year was a mutual one; it's widely know that I'm not interested in hanging around in Formula One just for the sake of it and at this stage of my career, I'm happy to take one year at a time.

"I continue to feel very comfortable here – I have a fantastic relationship with the whole team and the factory at Milton Keynes feels like home. It's been incredible to be part of the team as it's moved forward from a mid-field competitor to one that is challenging for the Championship. I hope we experience more success together in the future and achieve our ultimate goal of winning the World Championship."

Our team principal Christian Horner added: "The decision to retain Mark was very straightforward. He is an important member of our team and is currently in the best form of his career, as the current leader of the Drivers' Championship. The team is extremely happy that the driver pairing of Mark and Sebastian will remain unchanged for a third season in 2011."