Formula One news

Vettel emotional after 'fantastic' race

It was a tearful Sebastian Vettel who stood proudly on the Abu Dhabi podium just short of 7pm in Abu Dhabi following the German's superlative drive to top top step at Yas Marina. Winner of Formula One's first ever dusk Grand Prix, the Red Bull driver finished an incredible eighteen seconds ahead of second-placed man and team-mate Mark Webber.

With Lewis Hamilton having led away from pole position, Vettel stayed second before managing a margin which remained at roughly one second before the first round of pit-stops. "It was a fantastic race," Vettel described in the post-race press conference. "We had a very good launch; it wasn't enough to out-accelerate Lewis but it was close - I was surprised."

Vettel and former McLaren Team Principal Ron Dennis on the starting grid

Sebastian was not surprised, however, at the KERS abilities of the McLaren-Mercedes which, despite running wide at Turn 6 on the first lap, could not be caught on the long back straight. "He pushed the button and that was it - he just disappeared into the distance," Vettel continued. "I was able to stay close, and we knew we were heavier, but I was able to keep up with him."

Vettel added that he was able to pace himself following Hamilton's retirement, especially as Webber and Button fought for the final two rostrum positions. "It's a perfect way to finish the season, on a high," the Red Bull driver continued. "I'm very proud. After Brazil, coming here we knew we had a very, very strong package and priority number one was to secure second in the Drivers' Championship; and we succeeded - but to do it with victory is the best possible result."

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