Champion Vettel equals record of 13 victories in an F1 season
RED BULL’S Sebastian Vettel admits he did not want the Formula One season to end at the Brazilian Grand Prix yesterday, after a year in which he has re-written the record books.
Vettel’s victory in the final race of 2013 marked the first time that a driver has won nine consecutive Grands Prix in a single season. It equals the nine straight wins set by 1950s legend Alberto Ascari, yet that record was achieved over two years.
And Vettel’s 13th win of this season also equalled the 13 victories that his compatriot Michael Schumacher set in 2004 – although the calendar now includes one more race than it did nine years ago.
“I am actually quite sad the season is coming to an end,” Vettel said. “The car has been phenomenal and has been getting better every race.”
Vettel finished over 10 seconds ahead of team-mate Mark Webber, who is now retiring from F1, while Fernando Alonso completed the podium. Jenson Button was fourth.
Despite Alonso’s efforts, and a calamitous ninth-place finish from Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton, a six point gap meant Mercedes narrowly beat Ferrari to second place in the constructors’ championship.
DRIVERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP
1. S Vettel (Red Bull) 397 points
2. F Alonso (Ferrari) 242 pts
3. M Webber (Red Bull) 199 pts
4. L Hamilton (Mercedes) 189 pts
5. K Raikkonen (Lotus) 183 pts