Double world champion Sebastian Vettel won the Korean Grand Prix in crushing fashion Sunday to help his Red Bull team retain the Formula One constructors’ title after a dominant season.
Just a week after cruising to third place in Japan, where Vettel confirmed himself as the 2011 drivers’ world champion, the 24-year-old German was uncatchable as he drove to his 10th win this year, and 20th of his career. “This is special for us all, for the whole team,” he said. “It was not such an easy race, but we did it. After the drivers, the constructors’ — it’s fantastic.” Vettel started second on the grid, but took the lead from Briton Lewis Hamilton of McLaren on the opening lap to pull clear and produce a flawless drive to the chequered flag.
He came home in a winning time of one hour, 38 minutes and 1.994 seconds, 12.019 ahead of Hamilton, who drove a splendidly controlled defensive race to stay ahead of Vettel’s Red Bull team-mate Mark Webber. The Australian finished third, ensuring Red Bull clinched their second successive team title, ahead of Briton Jenson Button in the second McLaren, and two-time champion Spaniard Fernando Alonso of Ferrari.
“Fantastic Seb, well done, a great drive,” said Red Bull team chief Christian Horner. “Mark, we have won the constructors — well done!” “Yes, yes, yes and yes again,” screamed Vettel, the sport’s youngest double champion. “Yes and that makes 10 wins now!” Vettel delivered a final flourish with the fastest lap of the race on his last circuit as the top five were separated by just 15 seconds.
Felipe Massa was sixth in the second Ferrari ahead of Jaime Alguersuari of Toro Rosso, Nico Rosberg of Mercedes, Sebastian Buemi of Toro Rosso and British rookie Paul Di Resta, who grabbed a point for Force India team in 10th place. Seven-time champion Michael Schumacher, 42, was forced into an early retirement after being his Mercedes car was damaged in a collision with Vitaly Petrov of Renault, for which the Russian apologised.
Vettel showed no sign of easing off as he bids to equal Schumacher’s record of 13 wins in a season. “I think it’s good to see the whole team keeps pushing,” he said. “In terms of preparation for this race it wasn’t ideal, because I think the whole team was a bit tipsy after last week’s race.” Horner hailed the team’s “unrivalled” team spirit. “A second title is testimony to the dedication and commitment of the whole team. We’re going to enjoy this moment — it’s been a phenomenal period for the team.”
On a cool, grey day with intermittent drizzle, the race started in dry conditions with Hamilton leading off the grid from his 19th pole position.
Vettel victory hands title to Red Bull
