F1
News
Date:
18/November/2013
Sebastian Vettel claimed his first US Grand Prix victory as
the World Champion’s unbeaten run reached eight in a row.
That is a new record for a single season and the Texas triumph
also put Vettel in with a chance of equalling Michael Schumacher’s 13 in a
season at next weekend’s Brazilian finale.
Vettel, already assured of his fourth successive crown, took
the American win with yet another controlled drive at the front. The young
German finished 6.2s clear of Lotus driver Romain Grosjean, with Vettel’s Red
Bull team-mate Mark Webber in third.
“It’s incredible. I think it’s one of those records that you
never expect to be beaten so it’s very difficult to find the right words,” said
Vettel of his eight in a row.
“When you realise that you’ve done it, it makes you very
proud and I think it’s very difficult for all of us to realise what it actually
means.
“People look back at the names who had similar records or
outstanding performances in the past and one day people might look back and
talk about our time and what we’ve done as a team.”
Asked about the lack of close competition, Vettel replied: “It’s
not as if I’ve been getting bored. Obviously I’ve quite a lot to do. First of
all, I have to match their pace during the races. When they [the other drivers]
get closer it’s not the best feeling.”
Vettel also insisted that the major engine changes for next
season means he is ‘enjoying the moment’.
“There’s no guarantee that next year will be like this
year,” he said. “With the new regulations coming in, I think nobody really
knows where they will stand. You will still have the big teams in front, but
the question is who and the question is also by how much?
“We need to enjoy the moment and the days we’re having.”
With Vettel and Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso now confirmed as
first and second in the final standings, Brazil will decide third in the Championship
between Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) and Webber.
Hamilton is just six points ahead of Webber with the absent
Kimi Raikkonen (Lotus) currently in fourth. Brazil will also be Webber’s final
F1 appearance, after a career that began in 2002.
“I’ve got one week to go, I will leave the paddock very
satisfied. I’ve been dealt a very good hand, very proud of what I’ve achieved,”
said the Australian, who is switching to sports car racing.
“It’s the next chapter when I step out of the car for the
last time, but I will be fine with it. Back to UK Sunday night, walk the dogs
on Tuesday morning.”
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