Sebastian Vettel: Another One

2011 FORMULA 1 WORLD CHAMPION

THE SEASON IN HIS OWN WORDS

SEBASTIAN VETTEL: ANOTHER ONE

Compiled by Paul Velasco


foreword

In 2010 Sebastian Vettel snuck in at the last race of the season to clinch the Formula 1 world championship, and in doing so he became the youngest ever F1 world champion. In 2011 he raised his game substantially and trounced his rivals to score his second world title - obviously the youngest driver in history to do so, long before the season was over.

His achievements are astounding, considering that his peers include four world champions, and a formidable bunch they are too: Jenson Button, Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher.

In the process of annexing his second crown the 24 year old German roared into the record books to claim the most pole positions in one season (15) while amassing 392 points, 11 victories and 17 podium finishes out of a possible 19. He hates the word ‘dominant’, but this was a dominant performance, even by Formula 1 standards. He is sure to feature prominently in the history of the sport for as long as it will be recorded.

Here we look back at the longest season ever, through the eyes of some of the best motorsport photographers in the world, who cover the sport with an obvious passion.

We thank the team of Getty Images photographers who provide an unrivalled photo service to the media, on behalf of Red Bull Racing, and salute their vision and artistry. Also, special thanks to Sutton Images who fill in the ‘missing’ images from their own, unique and unrivalled archive of F1 imagery.

Enjoy the visual feast which honours the enormous talents of a most remarkable young racing driver and all round nice guy - Sebastian Vettel - this is the story of his magnificent 2011 world championship season, told in his own words.

Paul Velasco

Content Sebastian Vettel quotes and images provided courtesy of the exceptional Red Bull F1 media service

Photography Getty Images team: Mark Thompson, Clive Mason, Paul Gilham, Clive Rose, Ker Robertson, Lars Baron, Vladimir Rys & Julien Finney

Additional photography by Sutton Images Editor Paul Velasco

Publisher YallaF1.com

Production E-Book by Motorsport27

credits


preseason

It feels at least as good now as it did when I crossed the line in Abu Dhabi. Back then it was quite difficult to really realise what had just happened. But around Christmas I got a couple of days to myself and then I could come to terms with it.

preseason

preseason

As a sportsman you’re always looking forward. That process happens quite quickly when you race week to week. With the Championship it took a little bit longer, but it was a very nice process. Now though, 2010 is behind us. It’s a very proud memory, but now it’s 2011 and there’s another job to do, so we move to the next challenge, which is trying to do the same again.


preseason

The preparation has been good. It was a long winter and we did a lot of kilometres, I think more than we ever have done before during testing, which is positive. Now we are just looking forward to Melbourne.

preseason

preseason

If you ask me about performance, all I can say is I think we are there or thereabouts, and, as I keep saying, it’s impossible to know until we get to Australia. But am I in a positive mood? Yeah, I think I am!


preseason

preseason

At the end of last year I was feeling very tired and needed a rest, but I’ve had that rest now and I’m really looking forward to it again.


preseason

preseasonKERS we know about already, but the movable rear wing is a bit of an unknown. No one has ever driven the car with that type of wing and it’s difficult to know how it will work.We have different tyres to work with this season and we have to see how we deal with that. You just have to adapt and try to make your driving style suit the car. It happens every year and we will deal with it. It’s good, it definitely keeps you on your toes.


01. australian grand prix, melbourne25 - 27 March 2011

Well in terms of how I approach the first race nothing has changed. It is Friday afternoon, it is a very busy day and I cannot be in the garage now.

01. australian grand prix, melbourne25 - 27 March 2011


australian grand prix

It is a good position to be in, it is the best position, pole position, so I am very happy with that. I think for all the guys who have been working very hard on that car, some were a bit, how can I say, surprised that not a lot of things changed in the car compared to last year but we have proven that things changed and we have done a good step. As I said we need to keep our feet on the ground and see how we get on.

The start was crucial and being on the clean side I had a very good getaway but I did not know it was enough until I saw that Lewis [Hamilton] and Mark [Webber] were battling for position, so I was clear.

We made some small tweaks at the pit-stop, which seemed to help a lot, also for tyre life, tyre wear and from then onwards, I think, second part of the race, I didn’t know what was going on behind Lewis [Hamilton]. If he was under pressure or not but he took it a bit easier, wasn’t pushing that hard anymore, So, I could do the same and just control the gap to him.



First of all, I am very happy because I think all of us, the whole team and myself, we had a lot of fun today and we won the Australian Grand Prix. It is really always very nice to come here. The atmosphere is something special.


australian grand prix - Winner

It is a long, long season. I try to keep saying to the team that we have to keep our feet on the floor. It was a very good race today. A lot of points, very important and I think we enjoyed ourselves, which is even more important. But it is a long year, a lot of things can happen.

australian grand prix - Winner

02. malaysian grand prix, SEpang 8 - 10 April 2011


Malaysia is the first real track we go to. It’s hot and rains everyday, but the question is when and how much? It will be a tricky one. Circuit-wise you’ve got everything in there: Turn 14 requires you to brake the car while you’re still turning into the corner, which makes it quite challenging.

02. malaysian grand prix, SEpang 8 - 10 April 2011


malaysian grand prix

We completed quite a lot of laps this morning because of the extra tyres – and this afternoon we did more or less what was planned. We didn’t have any big problems, but we got a lot of mileage and took a lot of things onboard. Obviously tyre wear is different here to Melbourne.



It was a challenging weekend until qualifying today. I was happy with the car, but we never really got into a rhythm. Yesterday wasn’t as smooth as we hoped for, but we knew the car had speed, so the main thing was to keep believing in it. In qualifying everything worked out straight away. It was very close in the end with the McLaren guys, so I’m happy to get pole.

The main thing was to keep believing in it and in qualifying it worked out straight away, so first qualifying, second and third, was very good. We all work hand-in-hand and if this is the reward, then we keep working, I would say, so very pleased.

Big compliment to the guys in the team, especially the guys with the KERS system. We got lots of criticism after the last race for not having run it all the time. It is something we were not proud of but we came here and we solved most of our problems.



The start was crucial. I thought I had a really good start and then I saw Lewis lining up behind me quickly.

When you come in for your first stop and you know it is drizzling around turn five-six-seven-eight then you just pray for the rain to stop as other people might stay out, one or two laps, and they get a free stop as it starts raining. It was tight.

Again thanks to the boys, thanks to the team. I’m sure the boys are very happy but they are already packing up and getting ready for the next one so step by step: there’s a long long way to go.

malaysian grand prixI don’t know. I don’t count. I think it is better not to. Yeah, very good result. I think there was a lot to learn today and a lot to take into the next race but for today very, very happy obviously.


We have to keep our heads cool, keep working, keep pushing, but I am not worried to be honest. All the guys, they know that this is the only way forward so for today we all enjoy and we can be very proud.

malaysian grand prix - winner

malaysian grand prix - winner


03. chinese grand prix, shanghai15 - 17 april 2011


chinese grand prix

We are just two races in and we have seen from last year how many things can change in only a couple of races. Some tracks maybe suit your car more than others so we will have to see. In the end we don’t care so much about the rest, we care about ourselves and we try to do the best job we can and hopefully that ensures we have a good chance to run at the front again.


chinese grand prix

It makes sense to run KERS and it’s our target obviously. We were not proud not to have it in Australia. We were, for the majority of the weekend, able to run it in Malaysia. Obviously now we’ve only had a couple of days but the guys again have been pushing very hard and I’m confident that it will work all weekend this weekend.


chinese grand prix

We had a good day today, but it’s only Friday and so it’s early in the race weekend. We found a good rhythm and we’re happy with the car.

We had a good day today, but it’s only Friday and so it’s early in the race weekend. We found a good rhythm and we’re happy with the car.


chinese grand prix

We have done it again, but every single time is tough. I think today wasn’t as straightforward as we planned – especially in Q2; I made a bit of a mistake in the run I did then. In Q3 I was confident that we were able to improve quite a lot. Obviously today we did a good job, but it’s just eight metres on the track.


chinese grand prix

My start was not the best and for some reason it seems the left-hand side of the grid is worse here than the right-hand side. It wasn’t brilliant and I lost positions to Jenson [Button] and Lewis [Hamilton].


chinese grand prix

It just shows that in one race, if you try something a bit different and make a small mistake, there is someone to beat you. It was a good race for us and we can learn a lot from today. Mark had a good race and had good pace. With two stops, you have to be patient and look after your tyres, but it didn’t work today.

It just shows that in one race, if you try something a bit different and make a small mistake, there is someone to beat you. It was a good race for us and we can learn a lot from today. Mark had a good race and had good pace. With two stops, you have to be patient and look after your tyres, but it didn’t work today.


chinese grand prix - second place

I think there is a very important lesson to be learnt today. The strategy that I picked was not the one that was meant to be the best but these things happen. You never know until you cross the line. If the race is a little bit shorter, if the tyres are holding – and we’re talking only an extra two laps each stint – then it could be different. But in the end I was struggling a lot.

chinese grand prix - second place


04. turkish grand prix, istanbul 6 - 8 may 2011

04. turkish grand prix, istanbul 6 - 8 may 2011

I like the track, it’s quite a challenging place, the weather forecast is a bit unknown at this stage. For the first time there is rain forecast and usually it is nice weather and quite hot so we will see how that goes so I’m looking forward to it I think it will be an interesting grand prix managing everything tyres and the car and a lot of laps to do and a lot of work ahead of us.


turkish grand prix

Even if our car is very good, it does not mean that we don’t need to do anything! We have to continue developing, we can’t stand still, and that’s especially true as the competition is so strong.


turkish grand prix

There wasn’t much I could do to stop the car from hitting the wall this morning – but the most important thing is that I’m fine. Unfortunately we couldn’t get the car ready in time for this afternoon’s session, as there was too much damage, so I’m sorry to the guys. It makes things a bit more difficult, but I don’t think it will be a problem.


turkish grand prix

I messed up the car yesterday morning, so we missed the session in the afternoon, but the guys fixed it for today and I think they did a very good job.


turkish grand prix

I’m very happy. It was a bit funny in Q3 today, as both Mark and I decided we would skip the second run and so we finished earlier than normal. It was a strange feeling, as the other cars are on track setting times and you are in the garage watching – they might beat you, but you can only watch the screens and there’s nothing you can do.


turkish grand prix

A very good start which was crucial and then I was able to pull a gap, right at the first stint, which was important as we could then afford to stay out a lap longer, wait to see what the others are doing in terms of strategy and just react.


turkish grand prix

Very, very pleased how we communicated during the race and how we reacted. I think since China we have definitely made a step forward. We have learned our lesson and we have to make sure that we keep this momentum into the next couple of races.


turkish grand prix

I am very happy with today and the start of the season, very happy with how we work together as a team and pull together in one direction but I think there’s never any time to really rest and think that really everything is under control.


turkish grand prix - winner

turkish grand prix - winner

It is good to get as many points as you can every single race. But it is a long, long way and we saw how quickly things have changed last year. We have to really go step-by-step, see every race on its own and try to maximise our points. But a good start to the season always helps, but it is a long, long way to go. Four out of 19, so you can work out how many points there are still to get so we have to keep focused.


05. spanish grand prix, catalunya20 - 22 May 2011

We know the Barcelona circuit well from winter testing – it should be suitable for our car and our plan is to get the best team result possible. Historically Barcelona is a circuit that is poor for overtaking, but with the DRS this will now be quite different.

05. spanish grand prix, catalunya20 - 22 May 2011


spanish grand prix

In Q1 I did not really get into the rhythm immediately so it was not the smoothest run but I made it on the primes. Then Q2 I felt much happier on the soft compound and unfortunately then the last qualifying I lost a little bit too much. I wasn’t entirely happy with my lap. We had some problems.


spanish grand prix

In the end we decided that staying in the garage is more important than probably swapping from right to left on the grid. Why did we do it? Because there was quite a big margin to the people behind, plus they saved their set of tyres.


spanish grand prix

I felt my tyres going away and I was praying the same thing would happen to Lewis. He seemed to be so much quicker, so he was always getting into the DRS zone. The end of the straight, you look into the mirror and he is there or thereabouts. It was really close. Then, thankfully, in the last two laps I think I got quite a good run in the last sector and enough to make it stick.


spanish grand prix

Many people said today would only be a race between Mark and myself, but we have seen, poof, turn one, the Ferraris are there, and then the McLarens gave us a very hard time. Make no mistake, these guys are going to keep pushing us very hard.


spanish grand prix - winner

spanish grand prix - winner

We got the best possible result today, no matter what style. It was a lot of fun. Ten laps to go I thought my tyres were going off and with Lewis [Hamilton] coming from behind, I could see a similar situation to China. But this time it was the other way around. So I’m extremely happy.


06. monaco grand prix, monte carlo26 - 29 may 2011

06. monaco grand prix, monte carlo26 - 29 may 2011

It’s remarkable to drive an F1 car around Monaco, it’s a completely unique track and a unique challenge for the driver. You have to push as hard as on a normal race track, but the smallest mistake can bring a big penalty. Grid position is very important and can determine your race, as traditionally overtaking in Monaco is very tricky. As an event, it’s one of the highlights of the year.


monaco grand prix


monaco grand prix

It’s been positive so far. Both tyres are working well and seem to be lasting, which is important. We will see how the conditions are on Sunday, but the super soft tyre seems to be the preferred one for qualifying. It seems to be quicker and you can extract more lap time out of it. I had a good feeling straight away in the car.


monaco grand prix

It’s fun driving around here; it’s a different track and it’s quite bumpy and rough. I brushed the wall after three laps, so hopefully that’s that done for the weekend! The car looks competitive, but everyone is very close to each other, so it looks tight.


monaco grand prix

It’s a long way around this track. Qualifying is tough, there are three segments and you have to give 100% in each one. My laps in Q1 and Q2 were not perfect, but in Q3 it was spot on, so I was happy with that.


monaco grand prix

Pole position is very important here, so we can be happy with that, but there’s no guarantee for tomorrow’s race. We need to push hard and see what we can do.


monaco grand prix

I think it’s a track where the driver makes a difference. To be really quick here you need everything to be right. You need to have the confidence, you need the car set up according to your liking – and I don’t think necessarily you need to have the quickest car


monaco grand prix

It was really close. I think it was 20 laps under pressure with Fernando and Jenson behind. I know it is difficult to pass here but it was getting closer and closer and I think it would have been a difficult six laps.


monaco grand prix

Now I’m extremely happy. My name has been added to the list of Monaco Grand Prix winners. That’s something to remember.


monaco grand prix

It’s difficult to describe today; it’s a great feeling. I’ve seen what it takes to win here. Today it was a crazy race. It’s difficult to imagine you can one-stop at this race, but that’s more or less what we did.


monaco grand prix - winner

monaco grand prix - winner

I think the roulette was spun last night and kept on spinning during this race. I’m really, really happy. We fully deserved this win, we took the risk and we got the reward.


07. canadian grand prix, montreal 10 -12 June 2011

Canada is a great race, the atmosphere is fantastic and the fans are very special. It’s the only time we go to North America to race and it’s really a cool place with the city and people. It’s nice to spend a week there to go racing.

07. canadian grand prix, montreal 10 -12 June 2011


CANADIAN grand prix

It’s a special circuit here, it’s quite rough with the kerbs and chicanes, but I like it. The target is to win, but it’s a long weekend and a lot of things can happen. It’s important to finish and do your best, whatever that is.


CANADIAN grand prix

I had an incident in the morning. I lost the rear, but by the time I hit the wall I had low speed, so the crash was quite mild. There wasn’t much damage, so we could fix the car and get back out this afternoon. McLaren and Ferrari look strong here.


CANADIAN grand prix

I had a rough start yesterday morning, but thankfully the guys could fix the car and I had more practice in the afternoon, which is important here. It’s a tricky track to understand, with the kerbs and the chicanes, coming from high speeds with hard braking, but we had a smooth qualifying session today and two very good runs.


CANADIAN grand prix


CANADIAN grand prix

We’ve made up some ground from last year when we committed to a different strategy and sacrificed qualifying, but this year I feel comfortable.


CANADIAN grand prix

All in all, I’m very happy. It’s obviously a big step we’ve made today. The conditions are likely to change and I’m sure we’ll see some rain – the question is when and how much. We’ll see, but P1 is the best position to start from.


CANADIAN grand prix

I think it was a very difficult race from start to finish and we led every single lap except the last one. Or part of the last one. I was probably too conservative when I was in the lead after the last safety car and didn’t open the gap quite enough.


CANADIAN grand prix

It was a long race. Obviously, a long break in between but very difficult conditions. It was quite tough and I think one of the most challenging races we have had this year. All in all, I think I can be satisfied but at the moment the freshest impressions I have are the ones which I probably show at the moment. Of course I am disappointed.


CANADIAN grand prix - second place

CANADIAN grand prix - second placeObviously I could feel Jenson was a little bit quicker than us. I should probably have pushed much harder initially after the safety car, after the re-start. It was a difficult finish to a hard race.


08. european grand prix, valencia24 - 26 june 2011


european grand prix

The atmosphere around the harbour in Valencia is quite similar to Monaco, except that the Paddock is bigger and the garages are larger, the circuit is a street circuit, but the average speed (200kph) is extremely high, so it’s tricky.


european grand prix

It [blown exhaust clampdown] doesn’t particularly worry me. I think our car is the best of all in its overall concept and is therefore not dependant on just one component. Anyone who believes Red Bull will be the most disadvantaged I think will be surprised.


european grand prix

Overall it was a very good day for us. It is good to have the front row for our team. It’s always tough here. It’s a tricky circuit, as there are so many corners, so to get all of them right is very difficult and to get the perfect lap is quite tough. I think my first lap was quite good, I was very happy


european grand prix


european grand prix

From the outside, I’m not sure if it seemed that much was happening in the race, but I enjoy it so much when it’s between you and the car on every single lap. Of course, I had pressure from behind, especially as the strategy was a little bit different with Mark and Fernando – sometimes they were pitting earlier and sometimes later.


european grand prix

I had a gap before the first pit-stop, but I came out very close to them, so again I had to push hard while judging the tyres and trying to imagine what the end of the stint might be like. I enjoy this track a lot, last year I had a very smooth weekend here and again this year too.


european grand prix


european grand prix - winner

european grand prix - winnerIt’s fantastic, the team has done a phenomenal job preparing the car. Even though we come here every year and think it may be tricky for us, as there are no real fast corners, we managed to come here and have a faultless weekend. I’m obviously very happy with the result.


09. BRITISH grand prix, SILVERSTONE 8 - 10 july 2011


BRITISH grand prix

We are in a bit of a different position now compared to last year but still a very long way to go and a lot of points to get. I think with the points system we run today it might be tempting to feel too safe. So really I try to go race by race and step by step.


BRITISH grand prix

I think when it starts to rain here it can be on different parts of the circuit, so it’s quite difficult to see where it’s wet and where it’s fine, so you rely on the out lap or the previous lap. If you go flat out and hit a damp area, it’s very easy to go off track. So, I think it wasn’t easy today, but in the end it was mostly dry.


BRITISH grand prixI would have loved to have challenged Mark [Webber] again, but he got a good lap. It was a very good result for us, especially with all the talk that was going on into this race, so it’s good to see that we’re still on top of our game and can produce quick lap times.

I would have loved to have challenged Mark [Webber] again, but he got a good lap. It was a very good result for us, especially with all the talk that was going on into this race, so it’s good to see that we’re still on top of our game and can produce quick lap times.


BRITISH grand prix

I had an excellent start and with hindsight I wouldn’t have minded if there had been more rain because I really liked the conditions when we were racing on the intermediate tyres. We seemed to be in very good shape and I was pulling away.


BRITISH grand prix

We probably waited a little but too long to go onto the dry tyres, but it was right as there was no need for us to take a risk and we were in control. At the pit stop we had a problem – the car was already back on the floor, but then we had to lift it back up again.


BRITISH grand prix - second place

BRITISH grand prix - second place

I struggled to pass Lewis [Hamilton], I thought I could go much quicker, but I never really had the chance. Once I was very close, but it didn’t work. We got him at the pit stop, but by then Fernando [Alonso] was already gone. It was a good result for us, but we had some problems.


10. GERMAN grand prix, NURBURGRING22 - 24 July 2011

It is always great to have an opportunity to race in front of your home crowd. People talk about extra pressure, but, to be honest, it is more positive than anything else to have people in the grandstands, people outside and inside the paddock support you and trying to push you forward to allow you to find maybe this extra tenth or two around the lap.

10. GERMAN grand prix, NURBURGRING22 - 24 July 2011


GERMAN grand prix

It was cold out there today! It was good fun, the circuit was quite slippery with the low temperatures, but we did a lot of laps and the car seems okay, although I’m not 100% happy yet. We’ll see what happens tomorrow, but at this stage we’ve got a bit of work to do. Ferrari looks very competitive, McLaren is a bit harder to judge, but we will see.


GERMAN grand prix

I think we had a good recovery, as yesterday I didn’t really find my way, but the car felt much better this morning. I think we could have been a bit quicker in qualifying here and there, but Mark did a good lap and I think we still have a good chance from third on the grid. It will be a long race.


GERMAN grand prix

It was tough, a difficult race. In the beginning, it didn’t feel so bad but I made a mistake, which brought me back to fifth and from there it was a tough recovery.


GERMAN grand prix

The pit-stop at the end was fantastic. You come into the pit lane behind the other car and into your box and you can’t wait to leave as soon as the boys have changed the wheels. As I came out it was nice to see the Ferrari still stationary – that was all down to the boys, they did a very good job. Both Felipe [Massa] and I were battling for a lot of the race and we were both on the edge.


GERMAN grand prix - fourth place

GERMAN grand prix - fourth placeI think fourth was the maximum we could achieve today – it’s not satisfying, but you have to accept that others were quicker today. I didn’t feel good all weekend and didn’t have the pace that Mark [Webber] did in the car.


11. hungarian grand prix, hungaroring29 - 31 July 2011

The bandage on my hand? It’s just a little thing, but you know how it goes with us men, we like to make a big fuss!

11. hungarian grand prix, hungaroring29 - 31 July 2011


hungarian grand prix

I don’t think about the championship when I’m racing. I think about trying to win. There are still so many races to go so our target has to be to win races and I can tell you that we still feel very hungry, I feel very hungry – hungry in Hungary – to win races, full stop.



We changed a lot on the car overnight and the boys were working pretty hard and didn’t get much sleep, but I think if we have a result like this it’s the best way to say thanks, so I’m very happy. I’ve got the confidence back, today I felt much more comfortable in the car.



I think it was a very good session for us. The McLarens were very quick, so we’ve done the right thing and I felt much more comfortable this morning. Q1 and Q2 were about getting through to the last session and I’m very pleased with the result.

I was struggling a little in the first stint on the intermediate tyres. Lewis was a bit faster and then I went into Turn 2 too deep, it was quite tricky. At some stage I realised it would be too late, so I opened the car because I know the white lines and the green paint afterwards is very slippery, so it’s easy to have a spin, and I lost the lead.


hungarian grand prix - second place

hungarian grand prix - second place

I couldn’t push as hard as I would have liked, but still, second today is an important step. The McLarens are strong in all sorts of conditions and it’s clear that for two races now they have made a step forward; we need to make sure we come back strongly for the next race.


12. belgian grand prix, spa-francorchamps26 - 28 August 2011

12. belgian grand prix, spa-francorchamps26 - 28 August 2011

I think I did what most people do in their holidays. I didn’t work. I had a good time off trying to forget a little bit about Formula One. Just doing the usual things, enjoying the sun, enjoying the weather, good food, moving a lot, so yes enjoyed the fresh air, enjoyed the summer.


belgian grand prix

It was difficult in Q1 and Q2, although at the end of Q3 the circuit was drying very quickly. I didn’t feel comfortable at the beginning of qualifying, but for Q2 I think we made a big step forward and I rediscovered Spa in a way! In the last session, I used the first two laps of Q3 to get temperature into the tyres and then for the last two I tried to push as hard as I could.


belgian grand prix

This morning disturbed our normal rhythm, as normally you know what you do when you arrive on Sunday morning, but today we had a lot of discussions which doesn’t make it easy to keep focused. Before the race, we decided the priority was simply to finish the race and not think too much about where


belgian grand prix

I can judge a bit from looking at the inside, but when you’re doing 300kph or more and the tyres are always spinning rather than stopped, you can’t really take the time to see, so it was crucial to come in and have a closer look.


belgian grand prix

Thanks you boys and what a race!


belgian grand prix

I’m very happy; today was a very good race for us, although it was not easy with the tyres. The beginning of the race was more research and science than racing and we sacrificed a lot by stopping very early. We had a good feeling, though, and I came in again when the safety car came out, just to see how they were.


belgian grand prix


belgian grand prix - winner

belgian grand prix - winnerToday we had a lot of discussions which doesn’t make it easy to keep focused. Before the race, we decided the priority was simply to finish the race and not think too much about where, so that’s why I am so happy with the result. It couldn’t have been any better.


13. Italian grand prix, monza9 - 11 september 2011

13. Italian grand prix, monza9 - 11 september 2011

Monza holds incredibly special memories for me, as it’s where I scored my first-ever F1 win with Toro Rosso in 2008. That’s something I will never forget – I had goosebumps standing on the podium with the fans below.


italian grand prix

The track is not particularly physically demanding but, despite that, it is certainly not easy. Because of the long straights we drive with less rear wing than at other circuits, so the car can be more unstable; accelerating out of Parabolica is a balancing act and the smallest mistake could mean the car slipping into the gravel trap.


italian grand prix

The Spa circuit is one of the most challenging of the season. It includes very long straights where we reach more than 320kph, making Monza the fastest track of the year.


italian grand prix

We are surprised how competitive we are here and thought it would be much closer. We weren’t sure if the tyres were best for the first or second lap, but I made a bit of a mistake on the second. For the second run, I knew I had a bit more time in the car as I did the first lap on my own. For the second, I had one or two cars in front, which always helps here.


italian grand prix

I felt very comfortable going into qualifying and throughout the session I could feel the track getting quicker. I simply went with the track and that is the secret, if there is any.


italian grand prix

We would never have thought we could have got pole here, on this track which didn’t suit our car for the last two years. This year, the car is very good and I’m very happy. Apart from the wing level, the most important thing to have here is balance and we’re good on that this year.


italian grand prix

The start was not that good, Fernando [Alonso]was suddenly there and I didn’t know where he was coming from – it took me a while to see we were three going into Turn 1. I kept second place and then after the restart, I was able to pass Alonso. He didn’t give me much room there, but it was just enough, so it was very enjoyable.


italian grand prix

It was an emotional win today. This circuit means such a lot to me and is very special. I had my first win here, so when I crossed the line I remembered every single bit of it.


italian grand prix

The podium is absolutely unbelievable here; when you stand up there you feel blessed, as it doesn’t happen to many people. There are so many people underneath and you can see them all coming, even from Curva Grande – it’s just unbelievable.


italian grand prix - winner


14. singapore grand prix, marina bay23 - 25 september 2011

Unless I have the title in the bag, I have nothing. You never know what is going to happen. Of course it’s nice to have a head start so that maybe you feel a little safer, but still you cannot rest — you have to fight hard until the end.

14. singapore grand prix, marina bay23 - 25 september 2011


singapore grand prix

I think it’s a very good race, one of the best we have in the season. It’s a night race so I am very much looking forward to it,” he said of the tight, 5.073-km street track. The circuit is one of the toughest for the drivers and you have to keep your focus…so it should be a good race.

On the last run, I maybe tried a bit too much going into the really tricky chicane around Turn 10. I think I could have made it, but I decided to abort the lap, as it can be so easy to damage the car. I was happy with my first lap – I think the track ramped up a little bit by the end, so it was possible to go faster, but all in all it was a perfect session.



It’s a very fun track and a big challenge. It’s difficult with so many corners and it’s a long lap to get everything together, but we kept our heads cool and did it today. It’s great we have both cars on the front row.

When we needed to push, we could pull away quite easily, which helped us. When the safety car came out, it didn’t really fit to our plan, but nevertheless I had a very good restart. I was able to get back into the rhythm straight away. I pulled out a gap and I was quite happy. All in all it is a fantastic result.

I really love this track and I love the challenge here – it’s one of the longest races of the season, but the car was fantastic and engine-wise everything was great. Renault again did a very good job, so we were in a comfortable position for most of the race.


singapore grand prix - winner

singapore grand prix - winnerI am very, very pleased with the result today, the car was fantastic all the way through and for the championship it looks like we have another chance at the next race.


15. Japanese grand prix, suzuka7 -9 october 2011

15. Japanese grand prix, suzuka7 -9 october 2011

The fans in Japan are special. What they have been through in recent times is something I cannot begin to imagine, but they are so impressive. I hope we can put on a good show for them.


Japanese grand prix

The moment you decide to fly, sooner or later there’s a moment when you will come down as well. You have to, nothing flies for ever.


Japanese grand prix

Suzuka is one of my favourite tracks, it really couldn’t have been built any better. The 130R is legendary. It’s great fun to drive straight through this left-hand bend. I’m not the only one who loves this track and our car normally loves it too.


Japanese grand prix

It wasn’t a big mistake this morning, but in that moment I wasn’t 100% awake and mistakes around here can be quite costly. I went off and tried to slow the car down, but I hit the wall slightly. It wasn’t a big impact, but it did some damage to the car, so it wasn’t perfect.


Japanese grand prix

We sat down after P3 and looked at where we could improve and we were able to extract everything out of the car in qualifying, which was crucial.


Japanese grand prix

The circuit seems pretty tricky this year on these tyres – they make the cars seem more alive, so Sunday will be an interesting race. Taking130R with the DRS open isn’t as easy as it used to be!


Japanese grand prix

A lot of people have been quite confident about the title, but one of the important things was that we didn’t allow ourselves to drift away with the thought too much. Instead we concentrated on every single step and everything we have done this year and everything we have achieved – then wow. I want to thank all the guys and girls in the factory in Milton Keynes


Japanese grand prix

I felt just massively proud to have put that kind of performance together and to have come out on top. I think my fans have been incredibly supportive and so have my family, particularly more so in the recent weeks and so that’s made a big difference. And it’s my Mum’s birthday, so it makes it even better.


Japanese grand prix - third place

Japanese grand prix - third placeAfter the race there were a lot of things to do but once we got beyond that and once I found myself in the bar with the boys we enjoyed that night very much. We had a very good time. Did some karaoke, which I think is traditional in Japan. It was a very good night, very special, and after a couple of drinks everyone was quite happy so we definitely had a good time.


16. korean grand prix - yeongam14 - 16 October 2011

16. korean grand prix - yeongam14 - 16 October 2011

I think last year we did it the last minute and we always kept believing and got it done in the very end of the championship. We never led the championship. This year it has been a different story. We led it from start to finish so it is obviously a different year.


korean grand prix

It was an interesting day. For Saturday and Sunday the weather forecast is dry, so whatever we learned today might not be worth a lot this weekend, although we can use it for future races when it’s damp or wet. Unfortunately the track didn’t dry out at all.


korean grand prix

It’s a tough track for tyres here, even though you have a long straight, there’s hardly any rest after that, so it’s not easy. The car feels okay though and that’s important.


korean grand prix

I think we did a good job. We also saved all our soft tyres, which I think will be crucial for tomorrow. We only had a rough idea from this morning with more fuel in the car, but I think we are in a good position. There’s not a long run to the first corner and Turn 3 is a little bit exposed, so we’ll see.


korean grand prix

I knew overtaking Lewis [Hamilton] near the start would be difficult and I nearly went off under braking, but he was very fair and it was important for us to get track position.


korean grand prix

I wasn’t too comfortable to be honest, there was a lot of head wind and it was difficult to get away. I could see the car behind getting bigger in the mirrors and it was tough to break the tow, but we did it. It’s nice to win the Championship today with a fastest lap – it’s no points, but it’s nice to have.


korean grand prix

It’s difficult for everyone to imagine what winning the Championship means for the factory. It’s a boost and not just for those here at the track – it’s much more than that. There is so much going on behind the scenes, every day of the year.


korean grand prix


korean grand prix - winner

korean grand prix - winnerIt’s down to the whole team to build two competitive cars and we push it to the limits on track. It was a lot of pressure off the shoulders today when I crossed the line. People now expect us to take it easy, but we are here to win and do our best. We had a chance to win today and we took it.


It’s a very impressive country here, very different to what we know in Europe, but very inspiring. If you keep your eyes and ears open, you can learn a lot from the way the people handle things here. It’s a big country with a lot of people, but they are happy and enjoy life, which is what it’s all about.

17. Indian grand prix, Buddh circuit28 - 30 october 2011

17. Indian grand prix, Buddh circuit28 - 30 october 2011


indian grand prix

The track is a combination of slow corners and high-speed straights which flow into each other. The altitude difference is extreme, rather like in Spa or Turkey, which will give the driving an additional element. Incidentally, we’re expecting the track to have the second highest average speed of the season after Monza. I’m really looking forward to India; I always do when we drive on a new track.


indian grand prix

It’s an interesting track, a good challenge. It was very dusty to start with, but the track seems fun, especially the wide entries which give a lot of options to all the drivers. It should be a good race on Sunday. It’s dusty off-line, which makes it tricky, so we’ll have to make sure we stay on the racing line. It’s a good circuit for overtaking I think, with long straights and wide entries.


indian grand prix

It was an interesting qualifying session; a new circuit and a new challenge – obviously I’m very happy to be on the front row. I don’t know if being on the left or the right side of the track (we are on the left), is really an advantage or not; there’s not one side that seems to be the clean side, as we tend to run down the middle.


indian grand prix

It was a good battle and after the first run it was very close, so I knew I had to do a little bit better on the second. We decided to only do one timed lap each time, it was still a bit slippery, but overall I’m very happy.


indian grand prix

I didn’t know Dan Wheldon but he was a big name in motorsport. I got to know this year Marco Simoncelli and our thoughts are with them. We are ready to take certain risks, but we obviously pray that every time nothing happens but sometimes you get reminded and it is the last thing that we want to see.


indian grand prix

It was very good race for us and I enjoyed it. I had a bit of a fight with Jenson in the distance who was always around 4 seconds away, but strangely he kept closing in around the pit stops. I was pushing very hard into the box, but we seemed to lose a little bit there, which we need to understand.


indian grand prix

The car was great. All in all it was a fantastic event. The race was fantastic. We were in a comfortable position controlling the race from the front, but always to have Jenson in the mirrors and not willing to disappear doesn’t make your life easy so we had to push throughout the whole race and it was enough.


indian grand prix

I am very happy and very proud to be the first winner of this grand prix. There were a lot of people, a big event, great atmosphere, all the grandstand nearly sold out so great to be part of that.


indian grand prix

I have mixed emotions today. I’m very proud to be the first winner of the Indian Grand Prix, but on the other hand we lost two of our mates recently.


indian grand prix - winner


The track in Abu Dhabi is special. The race starts at dusk and finishes at night, which means we have to drive with special helmet visors because of the different light conditions.

18. abu dhabi grand prix, yas marina11 - 13 november 2011

18. abu dhabi grand prix, yas marina11 - 13 november 2011


abu dhabi grand prix

The passage under the Yas Hotel, where else can you actually drive under your room!

I had an incident in P2. It wasn’t too much, I lost the car on the entrance to Turn 1. I think I was too wide and too far on to the kerb, so I lost the rear and couldn’t catch the car anymore. There wasn’t much damage apart from the front wing. If you just touch the kerb there, then it’s fine, but I went too far on to it.



In practice I wasn’t very happy with my own performance and with the car and I didn’t feel that comfortable. Qualifying was much better straightaway when we went out this afternoon, but this evening when the sun went down, I had a much better feeling and the car was more together.

I’m very pleased with the pole and it’s a very special one to equal Nigel Mansell as well. It’s a fantastic year and it’s not over yet.

I had a good start and I was very happy with the car...



On the exit of the first corner, everything seemed fine and then turning into the second corner I could feel that something was odd on the rear right. I had to catch the car surprisingly and then the second time, I couldn’t do it anymore, as I’d lost too much air in the rear right tyre. I had a puncture and spun off. When I got back to the pits, the resulting suspension damage meant we couldn’t carry on.


abu dhabi grand prix - did not finish

To lose the race there, so early on, it hurts for sure. There wasn’t much we could do, so after that I took the opportunity to learn a little bit on the pit wall.

abu dhabi grand prix - did not finish


Brazil is going to be exciting because Interlagos is known for its passionate fans, anti-clockwise driving and the extreme altitude of the track.

19. Brazilian grand prix, Interlagos25 - 27 november 2011

19. Brazilian grand prix, Interlagos25 - 27 november 2011


brazilian grand prix

The team has been faultless most of the time and raised their level massively compared to the last two years. We enjoy what we do and it’s nice to come into the garage each day and see everyone with a smile on their face being happy. That’s the main thing – we love what we do and are passionate about it.



It was hot Friday and the circuit was slippery, although rain is forecast for the next two days, so I think the conditions will change. We’re all here to win and it would be great to finish with a good race, but it’s a long weekend ahead and a lot of things can happen.



You know what you can do and the time you should be able to get ahead of the lap, but when you cross the line – you know if you have done it or not, without looking at the time. There wasn’t much left today and that gives extreme satisfaction – and it gets even better when the engineer comes on the radio and tells you you’ve done it.

It’s pretty special to get the record. Nigel [Mansell] obviously took three or four races less to achieve it, but nevertheless it’s been an incredible year for us and an incredible journey and it’s not yet over, we’ve got another chapter tomorrow and I’m very happy.



It’s really incredible – going into the season we thought we had a competitive car and that maybe we could win some races, but it has been phenomenal. The team has been faultless most of the time and raised their level massively compared to the last two years.

I got the message we had a problem, which was a shame as we had a great start to the race. After that, it was obvious that that I had to shift early and save the gearbox. I hoped it would recover so I kept pushing, but it didn’t happen and then the target was to see the chequered flag. Mark [Webber] had a great race and deserved to win.

It was a great end to the season; to finish with both cars and a one two is very good. I would have loved to have won the race, but nonetheless we had a great season. It’s really incredible – going into the season we thought we had a competitive car and that maybe we could win some races, but it has been phenomenal.

brazilian grand prix - second place



Seb has done a great job all season and he deserved the title. He was given the equipment and just got on and did what was required of him - Jenson Button.

accolades

accolades

Congratulations to Sebastian! Winning two world titles at his age, in a season in which he has done it all, in qualifying, the races and every other way, so perfectly, is amazing and it is well deserved - Fernando Alonso.

accolades


accolades

Big congratulations to Sebastian for winning the title. We all knew it was going to happen, but his season has really been flawless. It’s a fantastic achievement for him - Lewis Hamilton.

accolades


accolades

I would like to congratulate Sebastian and his team who have been exceptional the whole year. It is extremely emotional to see him win the Championship again, I am very happy for him and even a little bit proud - Michael Schumacher.

accolades


accolades

He reminds me of Jochen [Rindt] Seb will always stay grounded, no matter how big the success. That is what makes real champions. That was also Jochen’s strength. Plus both are lousy losers - Bernie Ecclestone.

accolades


accolades

It’s a great result for the team, with Seb backing up his first world title last year. He’s a double world champion and he deserves it because he’s had a phenomenal year, cracking it down the middle of the fairway all season. Hats off to him.

accolades


It’s phenomenal for Sebastian Vettel to win his second World Championship. He’s driven magnificently this year and thoroughly deserves this Championship victory, which he has dominated since the first race in Melbourne. It’s the culmination of a lot of hard work and team work and he can be very proud of what he’s achieved. This now places him amongst an elite group of drivers who have realised not only a double Championship, but back to back World Championships - Christian Horner.

accolades

accolades


Sebastian completely belies his age. He has an experience and maturity that is quite stunning. But also, he works hard at it, and very much keeps his feet on the ground, he’s very dedicated to understanding the car and his own driving. He spends a lot of time in the evening looking at that. He’s sensitive to good feedback and I get the impression that, every time he drives the car he learns something new. He’s a little sponge.

accolades


accolades

He will be more mature (next season) and he will be better on the technical side. His speed has a little bit to gain still. I’m sure he is not on his zenith, at the top of his performance. For sure he isn’t there yet - Helmut Marko.

accolades


accolades

Everyone knows he is very good. He’s got all the talent, the discipline, concentration, the capability to get totally focused on one single lap, and to raise his game when it is necessary. For some time the lead was big enough that Sebastian’s second title is not that surprise anymore. We believed in it for some time.

accolades


I care about the sport, I know its history and the numbers. I like to see from time to time my name somewhere, but I don’t set myself targets about the number of wins or stuff like that. I’m not racing for statistics. I’m a big fan of the sport. I love Formula 1. I always did as a small kid and that hasn’t changed

AFTERMATH

AFTERMATH

AFTERMATHWe had a very good car but more so we had a very good package, a very good team, a lot of good people around and all of those people were happy to work hand in hand, work together, 100% committed.


AFTERMATH

I wanted to become Michael Jackson when I was young. It was painful to realise that I didn’t have the voice.

AFTERMATH


I wanted to become Michael Jackson when I was young. It was painful to realise that I didn’t have the voice.

AFTERMATH

AFTERMATH

THE END

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Sebastian Vettel: Another One

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