Webber axed from GPDA board.

Despite initial reports being unclear as to whether the Australian had jumped or been pushed from his role at the head of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association, it has since been confirmed that he lost out in a members' vote.

Webber has been a member of the forum almost since he arrived in Formula One four seasons ago, and has been a vocal advocate of safety changes within the category. However, he has also had a handful of on-track run-ins with fellow director Michael Schumacher, and has criticised the German's apparent hypocrisy when it came to safety standards. This was the reason why many people believed that the Australian had quit his post on the board, but Webber insists that a ballot was held before the Belgian Grand Prix.

"They thought four [directors] was one too many, so they had a vote," the Williams driver told Reuters at the Brazilian Grand Prix on Friday, "I haven't lost any sleep over it."

Schumacher, Jarno Trulli and David Coulthard retained their places on the board.