Mark Webber has revealed it was his head rather than his heart that held sway when it came to deciding whether to remain with Red Bull or jump ship to Ferrari.

Webber signed a new one-year extension to his Formula One deal with Red Bull this week to see him through to the end of 2013.

The 35-year-old Australian concedes to holding talks with Ferrari, but instead opted to keep a promise made to Red Bull.

“Although I did have talks with Ferrari, staying with Red Bull was the right thing to do,” said Webber.

“I pretty much told Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz and team principal Christian Horner two or three years ago I would finish my career with Red Bull.

“I’m sure everyone understands the lure of racing for Ferrari, but in the end there were just too many pros to staying at Red Bull Racing – it was as simple as that.”

In his BBC Sport column, Webber said he also felt it would be wrong to switch teams given he is in the middle of a title fight, and in particular given Red Bull’s form over the past few years.

Webber, who won the ninth race of his Formula One career on Sunday with victory in the British Grand Prix, added: “The fact I am trying to win the championship was also a consideration.

“It would have been that bit harder to keep the momentum going if I was moving to a rival team. That was a factor, but certainly not the biggest one.

“I’ve been there since 2007, just two years after the team was formed, and we have built a fantastic team.

“We’ve won the last two drivers’ and constructors’ championships and we’re right in the fight again this year.

“It’s very hard to turn your back on that sort of performance.”