Sebastian Vettel races to first Formula 1 title
In a thrilling victory to what has been one of the most exciting seasons in Formula 1 history, Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel dramatically swept up his first driver's championship
crown at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last weekend. The 23-year-old prodigy from Germany is the youngest racer to claim the F1 title, a just reward after a season fraught with competition, intensity, and unpredictability.
The young champion took his 10th pole of the year and fought
the raging McLarens of former champions Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button at the Yas Marina circuit to execute a flawless win.
“It's been an incredible year,” an emotional Vettel expressed to reporters. “We've always kept believing in the team, and the car, and I have kept believing in myself.
I'm speechless!”
Denying team-mate Mark Webber what would have been his maiden crown and Fernando Alonso of Ferrari's third, Vettel's dramatic win can only mean that the soaring talent
will continue to get better, forging out a legacy akin to compatriot Michael Schumacher. The champion had been somewhat of an underdog all season, snapping at the heels of Button, Hamilton, Alonso, and Webber in a riveting close battle, the likes of which
haven't been seen in F1 for years.
Despite scoring several pole positions, a nervous Vettel couldn't seem to keep the pressure cooker below boil and fell behind his rivals after committing what Button criticized
as “too many mistakes.” Vettel, who followed Button closely during the 2009 campaign, found himself unable to maintain his fastest speed during race time, and the media – with the backing of several critics – began placing more faith in the older drivers,
such as two-time champ Alonso.
And yet, as the tables continuously shifted shape as McLaren, Ferrari, and Red Bull took their turns at the top on an almost monthly basis, the defiant youngster stepped
up his game with three wins in the last four races, leaping from third place to first during the climactic final challenge. Though any of the five chief competitors would have been deserving of the epitomal racing crown, Vettel showcased the world-class calibre
that is the stuff of legends, earning the admiration of fans, critics, and peers.
Yet for Webber, the moment is bittersweet. The 34-year-old kept the stakes high during a year which he strongly felt was his only chance of claiming the F1 championship,
what would have been the first for an Australian in 20 years.
“I tried my absolute best, I had great guys around me, in the end it wasn't quite enough,” the veteran acknowledged. “Yes [I will be here at Red Bull next season]. It
didn't go my way in the end, but that's sport.”
The confirmation of his presence at Red Bull comes not long after his own comments revealing that the team favoured his younger colleague, though team boss Christian Horner
countered by stating that no team orders would be issued by Red Bull, even if it meant losing the title to Alonso. This mantra was also taken up by McLaren, although later on in the season Button acknowledged a willingness to take up a supporting role for
Hamilton. This comes in direct opposition to Ferrari's team orders controversy, which saw Felipe Massa give way to Alonso during the German Grand Prix, resulting in a hefty fine and renewed debate of FIA (International Automobile Federation) regulations.
Yet Ferrari's dirty little trick – one which would have played a huge card had Vettel not sealed his win – failed to make an impact in the end, as the Spaniard saw the
title slip away from his grasp. “This is sport – sometimes you win, sometimes you lose,” reflected Alonso. “Next year we try again.”
It was also a disappointing season for mediocre comeback Michael Schumacher of Mercedes, who was constantly overshadowed by team-mate Nico Rosberg. The seven-time world
champion barely came close to a decent result throughout the season, but vows to return in 2011.
As for “Baby Schumi,” as he has been nicknamed, Vettel starts his turn in the history books with 256 points, followed by Alonso with 252 points, Webber at 242, Hamilton
at 240 and Button with 214. What a fantastic season this has been – as every element of an engaging drama unfolded, fans, critics, and drivers have enjoyed a memorable year. After a few rounds of festive champagne and well-deserved revelling in the throes
of the great win, it will be time to return to the garages and gear the cars up for next season.
The year 2011 awaits, with hopefully as many a writhing turn of fate which has kept the circuit so vibrant with excitement this year.
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