Red Bull team principal Christian Horner is convinced Mark Webber will return a stronger driver and character after his experiences this season.

In the wake of Sebastian Vettel's triumph in becoming the youngest world champion in Formula One history on Sunday, Webber very much emerged as the forgotten man.

But, after seeing the Australian claim five pole positions and four race wins for his best season in F1, Horner said: "Take nothing away from Mark, he's had an unbelievable year.

"Mark can be very, very proud of what he's achieved. We're all very proud of what he's done. He's been an awesome competitor."

He added: "He's taken this championship into the last race. He led during the summer, and he could well have won it himself at different stages of the year.

"Overall, he's been a big part of the success of this team, and he has pushed Sebastian to the limit. They've been so close on so many occasions."

Horner appreciates Vettel's success will not sit easily with Webber, in particular given his comments at various stages of the season when he felt the Milton Keynes-based team were more supportive of the young German.

Horner maintains nothing could be further from the truth, and once Webber is over his obvious disappointment, he will be determined to come back fighting.

"It's tough for Mark. He will look across at the jubilation on the other side, but he knows he's had equal equipment all year," added Horner.

"He knows the support he's had from the team, so I've told him he should hold his head high and be proud of what he's achieved this year.

"I'm sure given a few days to digest things, to reflect he will come back even more motivated and stronger for next year."