Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Sebastian Vettel wins Brazilian Grand Prix, third consecutive Formula One title.
Vettel wins F1 title
Sebastian Vettel captured his third consecutive Formula One championship title Sunday, overcoming a first-lap crash to finish sixth in a Brazilian Grand Prix won by Jenson Button under pouring rain in Sao Paulo. “It’s difficult to find the right words,” said Vettel, who at 25 became the youngest three-time champion in F1. “It’s unbelievable. I’m still full of adrenaline. It was an incredible race.” Seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, F1’s most successful driver, finished seventh in his final race after 19 seasons. Minutes before the race, he lapped the track with a flag with the words “Thank You.” He used the radio to thank the mechanics and engineers he has worked with as well as his fans watching on TV. Vettel appeared in big trouble after he was bumped shortly after the first lap and spun. He dropped to last place before he could turn his car around and start a difficult pursuit. But he steadily worked his way up the field and did what he had to — holding off Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso, the only other driver contending for the title. “You are the man, you are a triple world champion,” a team official told Vettel on the radio after he crossed the line. Vettel is the first driver with three titles in a row since Schumacher won five consecutive in 2000-2004. The only other driver to win at least three consecutive championships was Juan Manuel Fangio in 1954-1957. He needed to finish fourth or better to clinch the title regardless of where Alonso crossed the line. The Spaniard would only have a chance by finishing on the podium. Alonso had a superb start on a hectic first lap at Interlagos and finished second, but that wasn’t enough to erase Vettel’s 13-point lead in the standings. Alonso’s Ferrari teammate Felipe Massa was third in front of his home crowd, and cried on the podium after finishing a difficult season on a high note. Lewis Hamilton was leading in his final race with McLaren when Nico Hulkenberg crashed into him while trying to pass on a slippery track with 17 laps to go. Hamilton received a standing ovation from his McLaren team when returning to the garage.