Sebastian Vettel celebrates after securing his third consecutive Formula One title. The Red Bull racer claimed a sixth place finish at the Brazilian Grand Prix to win the championship by three points from Fernando Alonso.
Super Seb —
Sebastian Vettel celebrates after securing his third consecutive Formula One title. The Red Bull racer claimed a sixth place finish at the Brazilian Grand Prix to win the championship by three points from Fernando Alonso.
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Fernando Alonso was looking cool and relaxed before heading into battle at Interlagos. The Ferrari driver, who started the day 13 points adrift of championship leader and title rival Vettel, qualified in eighth before being upgraded to seventh following the 10-place grid penalty meted out to Williams' Pastor Maldonado. <br />
Shades of glory —
Fernando Alonso was looking cool and relaxed before heading into battle at Interlagos. The Ferrari driver, who started the day 13 points adrift of championship leader and title rival Vettel, qualified in eighth before being upgraded to seventh following the 10-place grid penalty meted out to Williams' Pastor Maldonado.
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Vettel began the day aiming to become the youngest ever triple world champion in Formula One. The German, 25, started fourth on the grid with McLaren's Lewis Hamilton on pole. A top four finish would be good enough for Vettel to win the title irrespective of where rival Alonso finished.
Chasing history —
Vettel began the day aiming to become the youngest ever triple world champion in Formula One. The German, 25, started fourth on the grid with McLaren's Lewis Hamilton on pole. A top four finish would be good enough for Vettel to win the title irrespective of where rival Alonso finished.
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Hamilton started the day on pole position ahead of his McLaren teammate Jenson Button. Brazil holds fond memories for Hamilton, who won the drivers' title at Interlagos back in 2008.
Pole sitter —
Hamilton started the day on pole position ahead of his McLaren teammate Jenson Button. Brazil holds fond memories for Hamilton, who won the drivers' title at Interlagos back in 2008.
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Vettel suffered a nightmare start on the opening lap after being hit on the fourth turn and suffering damage to his car. His team radio swiftly brought news, telling the German: "There is visible damage. It is not front wing, we cannot fix it." The incident left Vettel at the back of the grid but by the 24th lap of 71, the safety car had been called to clear debris from the track with the Red Bull racer having clawed his way back to fifth place.
Damaged goods —
Vettel suffered a nightmare start on the opening lap after being hit on the fourth turn and suffering damage to his car. His team radio swiftly brought news, telling the German: "There is visible damage. It is not front wing, we cannot fix it." The incident left Vettel at the back of the grid but by the 24th lap of 71, the safety car had been called to clear debris from the track with the Red Bull racer having clawed his way back to fifth place.
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Alonso lost grip on the first turn of the circuit as tension soared during a pulsating race at Interlagos. The Ferrari man, who last won the title back in 2006, was hoping to collect his third championship trophy by sneaking past Vettel.
Running wide —
Alonso lost grip on the first turn of the circuit as tension soared during a pulsating race at Interlagos. The Ferrari man, who last won the title back in 2006, was hoping to collect his third championship trophy by sneaking past Vettel.
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Hamilton had led at Interlagos before a collision with Force India's Nico Hulkenburg forced him out of the race and allowed teammate Jenson Button to pass and claim victory.
Hamilton's hopes dashed —
Hamilton had led at Interlagos before a collision with Force India's Nico Hulkenburg forced him out of the race and allowed teammate Jenson Button to pass and claim victory.
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Button salutes the crowd at Interlagos following his victory. He said: "First of all I want to congratulate the whole team. This is the perfect way to end the season. We have had ups and downs and to end on a high bodes well for 2013."
Joy for Jenson —
Button salutes the crowd at Interlagos following his victory. He said: "First of all I want to congratulate the whole team. This is the perfect way to end the season. We have had ups and downs and to end on a high bodes well for 2013."
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Michael Schumacher congratulates fellow German Vettel on his title triumph. Seven-time world champion Schumacher finished seventh in his final race before retirement.
The new Schumacher? —
Michael Schumacher congratulates fellow German Vettel on his title triumph. Seven-time world champion Schumacher finished seventh in his final race before retirement.
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Vettel celebrates with Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone following his title win in Brazil.
Party time —
Vettel celebrates with Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone following his title win in Brazil.
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Vettel celebrates with his team and admirers after a pulsating race at Interlagos. There's sure to be a big party after another fantastic season for the German driver and the Red Bull team.
Give me five! —
Vettel celebrates with his team and admirers after a pulsating race at Interlagos. There's sure to be a big party after another fantastic season for the German driver and the Red Bull team.
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