LONDON, England - Kimi Raikkonen is "a candidate" to replace Mark Webber at Red Bull, team owner Dietrich Mateschitz has admitted.
Following its "Multi-21" team orders affair, Red Bull denied speculation that Webber's role as team mate to World champion Sebastian Vettel was now untenable.
Mateschitz, a known strong supporter of 36-year-old Webber, agrees that the F1 veteran could leave at the end of his 2013 contract.
HEADED FOR PORSCHE?
Mateschitz told Speed Week: "Whether he retires, only he will choose, but Mark is definitely a candidate for 2014. He is always welcome with us. So would be a quick junior such as Vergne or Ricciardo from the Toro Rosso team.
"Sorry, I know it's a diplomatic answer which leaves everything open, but that's how it is. Everything else is pure speculation."
Mateschitz also mentioned Raikkonen as potentially in the running for a 2014 seat.
Often mentioning the 2007 World champion in interviews, Mateschitz is an open admirer of Raikkonen, having sponsored the 33-year-old's two-year rallying foray in 2010 and 2011.
Contradicting April Fool rumours that Raikkonen had announced his retirement, Mateschitz said: "Kimi is cool and fast and always a candidate."
Webber had "already been in contact" with Porsche officials, regarding a 2014 prototype team for the German automaker at Le Mans.
Following its "Multi-21" team orders affair, Red Bull denied speculation that Webber's role as team mate to World champion Sebastian Vettel was now untenable.
Mateschitz, a known strong supporter of 36-year-old Webber, agrees that the F1 veteran could leave at the end of his 2013 contract.
HEADED FOR PORSCHE?
Mateschitz told Speed Week: "Whether he retires, only he will choose, but Mark is definitely a candidate for 2014. He is always welcome with us. So would be a quick junior such as Vergne or Ricciardo from the Toro Rosso team.
"Sorry, I know it's a diplomatic answer which leaves everything open, but that's how it is. Everything else is pure speculation."
Mateschitz also mentioned Raikkonen as potentially in the running for a 2014 seat.
Often mentioning the 2007 World champion in interviews, Mateschitz is an open admirer of Raikkonen, having sponsored the 33-year-old's two-year rallying foray in 2010 and 2011.
Contradicting April Fool rumours that Raikkonen had announced his retirement, Mateschitz said: "Kimi is cool and fast and always a candidate."
Webber had "already been in contact" with Porsche officials, regarding a 2014 prototype team for the German automaker at Le Mans.