Horner happy at settled line-up

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has expressed relief at not being part of the sideshow surrounding the future of several drivers.

As a captivating Formula One world title fight powers on towards the likelihood of a last-race decider, three of Red Bull's rivals are embroiled in speculation regarding their line-up for 2013.

The destiny of Lewis Hamilton, and whether he will remain at McLaren or move to Mercedes, continues to be the biggest talking point.

The link with Mercedes obviously has ramifications for seven-time champion Michael Schumacher, while Ferrari's Felipe Massa is in the dark as to whether the Maranello marque will retain his services.

At Red Bull, life is much simpler as Horner took the decision to re-sign Mark Webber earlier this season after the Australian was linked with Ferrari, and he will again partner Sebastian Vettel in 2013.

It means Horner and his drivers can simply focus on the racing and attempting to retain the world titles currently in their possession.

"Stability for us has always been important, and we made a decision pretty early on to maintain the same line up," said Horner.

"It's important for the team to know they have continuity in the design process as well.

"So I'm pleased we're not involved in the merry-go-round of discussions going on around driver seats at the moment.

"For us we know what we've got next year, and that's what we're focused on."

The championships are also firmly in Red Bull's sights too, with Vettel cutting Fernando Alonso's lead to 29 points yesterday after claiming victory - the 23rd of his career - in the Singapore Grand Prix.

Vettel took full advantage of Hamilton's gearbox failure on his McLaren on lap 23 when leading the race, a scenario that drew a degree of sympathy from Horner.

"It was a shame to see Lewis retire," said Horner.

"It's never good to retire when you are leading a grand prix, and we more than anyone over the last couple of years know how that feels.

"Nonetheless, it was a great performance by Sebastian, a timely win for him and the team to help us in both championships."

Just a fortnight ago in the Italian Grand Prix Vettel was seething at his second alternator failure of the campaign.

Two weeks on and he was his natural smiley self again, underlining the ebb and flow nature of the season.

Horner added: "He has never given up, he's had some adversity thrown at him, and I've never seen him as focused going into a grand prix as he was last night.

"He executed a very, very impressive race, and for the championship it's wide open.

"It's just annoying Fernando keeps popping up on the podium at the end of a grand prix!"