Mark Webber's title hopes took a major hit when he crashed out of the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday – but the Australian promised to continue to push hard for his maiden Formula One world championship.
Starting from 10th on the grid, Webber made a good start before being shunted off the track by BMW Sauber's Robert Kubica on the opening lap as Rubens Barrichello led home Jenson Button for Brawn GP's fourth one-two finish for the year.
Webber's Red Bull team-mate Sebastian Vettel could only manage eighth place – giving him one point – leaving the pair 28.5 and 26 points adrift of Button at the top of the standings.
"I had a reasonable start, I was trying to find a good line through the chicane. I had Sebastian in front, so I was pretty clean as I didn't want to get tangled up with him. Both of us got through the first chicane, I was following Sebastian into the next, but then had a racing incident with Robert Kubica," Webber said.
"It seems like his front wheel was inside my rear left at the second chicane, it was difficult to know he was there. We had contact which flicked the car into the air a little bit, then nosed it into the guard rail."
"The car was undamaged, but I couldn't get it out and back onto the track. I couldn't have done anything differently. It's frustrating to retire through such a small incident, especially when all the guys have put so much effort into preparing the car."
With just four races remaining in the season, Webber faces an uphill battle to challenge for the title.
"It's not great for the drivers' championship, but this is my first DNF of the year. We will bounce back from this and do what we can in the final races," he said.
Button leads the way on 80 points, with Barrichello closing the gap to just 14 after his third victory at the Italian race. Vettel is third on 54 points with Webber on 51.5 points.
Brawn GP leads Red Bull by 40.5 points in the constructors' series.