The best man won, says beaten Vettel

MEXICO CITY: Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel congratulated Mercedes rival Lewis Hamilton on joining him as a four-time Formula One world champion and vowed that next season would be different.

“I’m down, obviously,” said the German, who won his titles with Red Bull, after his already extremely slim hopes were finally extinguished at the Mexican Grand Prix.

“It’s tough to cross the line and realise that you’re not in the fight anymore. That sums it up ... It’s Lewis’ day.

“He was crowned world champion and he deserves that,” he told television reporters in the post-race pen. Overall he was the better man and did the better job, simple as that.”

Vettel and Hamilton collided on the opening lap, with both going to the back of the field after pitstops to repair the damage.

“Right now, it’s disappointing. Next year will be a different story, as we all start again, but right now, in these moments, you need to give credit to the best man and that is him this year,” said Vettel.

Vettel had started the season with a win in Australia and led the championship until the Italian Grand Prix at Monza in September.

But Hamilton had returned from the August break with a vengeance and won five of the next six races while Vettel’s challenge imploded with two retirements – one of them caused by a faulty spark plug.

The German and Hamilton had been enjoying the battle, a change from years of Mercedes domination and the title fought between team mates, and showed strong mutual respect.

“I don’t fear him. I like racing with him. I would have liked a little bit more of that this year,” said Vettel.

“But overall, they were just the better bunch. He’s done a superb job all year round and deserves to win the title. So congratulations to him.” — Reuters