Jenson Button won a stunning race in Brazil in which the outcome of the championship remained in doubt until the final lap.
Although Fernando Alonso climbed to second, sixth place for Sebastian Vettel was enough for the Red Bull driver to clinch a third title.
It was a fraught race for Vettel who fell to the back of the field on the first lap but drove a gritty race back through the pack to seal the championship.
Vettel loses out in dramatic start
From the front row the McLaren pair made clean starts but behind them neither Red Bull got away well. Mark Webber closed out Vettel which allowed the Ferraris and Nico Hulkenberg to pass him around the outside.
Vettel’s situation got more serious when they reached Subido do Lago. Kimi Raikkonen took avoiding action to keep from hitting him but as the Red Bull turned into the corner Bruno Senna appeared on the inside.
The Williams driver was overtaking two drivers between him and Vettel, who appeared not to see Senna’s car alongside. The pair made contact – twice – leaving Vettel pointing the wrong way down the track.
The impact damaged the bodywork around Vettel’s exhaust and Red Bull were concerned it would overheat. But Vettel was able to continue – albeit now down in 22nd place.
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Rain aids Vettel’s cause
At the start Alonso had immediately passed Webber for third place – the minimum he needed to have a chance of winning the championship. But as rain began to fall he twitched wide at turn one, cutting across the new tarmac run-off area, sacrificing third to Nico Hulkenberg.
Webber was unable to take advantage of this opportunity to re-pass Alonso, and a few laps later Massa demoted the Red Bull driver a further position. This proved very useful for Alonso as the Ferrari drivers’ tyres cooled in the rain and the pair began to struggle.
Massa adopted a defensive stance behind his team mate and a warning about his driving was immediately conveyed by radio to Vettel. This was necessary as Vettel had carved through the field in doubt-quick time, and with others diving to the pits for intermediate tyres he soon had the Ferraris in sight again.
The McLaren drivers briefly swapped positions when the rain started to fall, but Hamilton regained the lead only to give it up again when he decided intermediate tyres were the way to go. In a re-run of last year’s Hungarian Grand Prix Button stayed out on slicks despite the drizzle, and took the lead off his team mate.
Hulkenberg also elected to chance it on his medium-compound slick tyres, but the championship contenders could afford no such gambles and were soon in for intermediate tyres as well.
“It is a safety car situation”
Vettel came out of the pits behind Webber and Raikkonen. The two Red Bulls quickly passed the Lotus and this time Webber offered little resistance to his team mate: “thank you Mark,” said race engineer Ciaran Pilbeam.
Massa had stayed on slicks but was easily passed by Kamui Kobayashi and a circumspect Vettel. Moments later Vettel took Kobayashi at the exit of Juncao. The pair had gone past yellow flags and yellow-and-red flags, the former forbidding overtaking. But Vettel began his move shortly after the pair passed a green light, and was drawing level with Kobayashi as they reached another yellow light. The stewards took no action.
Further ahead Alonso was making light work of the traffic. And at the front of the field Hulkenberg had sensationally caught Button’s McLaren and, on lap 19, passed him for the lead.
By this point several drivers had been involved in incidents: Pastor Maldonado joined his team mate in retirement and was accompanied by Romain Grosjean, who crashed out at Mergulho, and Sergio Perez. Alonso complained about debris on the track, adding: “it is a safety car situation”.
The safety car soon appeared on the circuit, calling a temporary halt to what had been 23 laps of frantic action, with still more than two-thirds distance remaining. Hulkenberg and Button took the opportunity to pit for fresh slick tyres, and the Force India driver held his lead.
Behind them Hamilton’s disadvantage for making an extra pit stop was wiped away and the same went for most other drivers. Alonso held fourth ahead of Vettel, who was still on course to clinch the championship, followed by Kobayashi, Webber and Di Resta.
Vettel slows as track dries
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Within seconds of the safety car returning to the pits the action resumed. Vettel came under attack from Kobayashi and Webber – the latter ran wide but Kobayashi made the move stick. He went on to take fourth off Alonso, but only briefly, the Ferrari driver quickly taking the place back.
The safety car had put Massa back on the lead lap and as the track dried he quickly passed Di Resta. He demoted Vettel and Kobayashi too, taking up fifth behind his team mate and therefore was unlikely to progress further.
As the track continued to dry Vettel’s aerodynamic damage became more of a problem. He sat within DRS range of Kobayashi, unable to make a move on the Sauber. The loss of downforce also impaired his tyre life and as his lap times began to drop off the team considered bringing him into the pits.
There deliberations were impeded by a fault on Vettel’s radio which prevented him from being able to talk to them. This had near-disastrous consequences as the weather changed yet again. First he pitted for slicks, then returned for intermediates – but the team weren’t ready for him. He fell to tenth place, which was a serious problem as Alonso now had the podium within reach.
Hamilton and Hulkenberg collide
A few laps later Hulkenberg spied an opportunity to pass Hamilton when the leader was delayed in traffic. Hulkenberg went down the inside at turn one but the back end snapped away and he clipped Hamilton’s car. Front suspension damage ended Hamilton’s final race for McLaren.
With Hamilton out and Hulkenberg doomed to serve a drive-through penalty, Alonso now had a shot at second place. He took it despite staying out too long to switch back to intermediate tyres as the rain intensified, and nearly spinning at Curva do Sol. Massa got in front of him through the pit stops but wasted little time handing the place back.
By then Vettel had already recovered well into the top ten, eventually passing Schumacher for sixth place. But even at this late stage he could not afford to relax: a sudden retirement for new leader Button would put Alonso in the lead and Vettel would be one place shy of the world championship.
Race ends under safety car
There was no such problem for Button, and the race had a slightly anticlimactic end as a crash for Paul di Resta brought out the safety car. He claimed his third win of the year and the Ferrari drivers joined him on the podium.
But there were no celebrations for Alonso as Vettel, sixth behind Webber and Hulkenberg, had done enough to retain the world championship.
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Kimi Raikkonen was only tenth after going off at Juncao and attempting to rejoin the track using the old circuit, which was closed off at one end.
Behind him the battle for tenth place in the constructors’ championship had been resolved with a final twist. Charles Pic, who will drive for Caterham next year, was passed by Vitaly Petrov in the dying stages. Petrov’s 11th place finish moved Caterham back ahead of Marussia in the final race.
Unfortunately for Marussia Timo Glock had been running in front of both when he was involved in an incident with Vergne which dropped him back. He came in 16th behind Daniel Ricciardo, Heikki Kovalainen and Nico Rosberg. The HRT pair were the last running drivers.
Brazil produced a suitably scintillating conclusion to an exciting championship. Vettel’s race engineer Guillaume Rocquelin admitted he feared his driver’s title hopes were lost after the first-lap collision. But an error-free recovery drive of measured aggression gained Vettel a deserved third title by the slender margin of three points.
Both he and Alonso deserve praise for their efforts this year. Alonso once again wrung all he could from his Ferrari and it’s doubtful he could have finished higher.
If a championship is valued by the quality of the opposition a driver faces, then Vettel can count this triumph as his greatest so far.
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Thecollaroyboys (@thecollaroyboys)
25th November 2012, 20:56
A great race. Well worth the 3am start. All of those posters who were writing the season off a half a dozen rounds ago or so should take a good, hard look at themselves. This was a cracking finale to a great season.
DaveF1 (@davef1)
25th November 2012, 21:01
Respect to Vettel and Red Bull from an Alonso fan.
I have to say despite my favourite driver not winning the title I am exceptionally proud to be an Formula One fan after the roller-coaster season we’ve had. I couldn’t have asked for anything better interms of the on-track racing.
Once again congrats to Vettel, Red Bull and all their fans. Enjoy it while you can, Ferrari will be back ;)
Bring on 2013!
stigrichards (@stigrichards)
25th November 2012, 23:23
How well put. Even though not a Vettel or Alonso fan it was an incredible finale to an awesome season. Sure, a few races fell flat, but less than usual and the high points were extraordinary.
Fullhouse
26th November 2012, 3:14
special mention to kimi ‘s superb reflex when vettel suddenly emergency braked, kimi reacted to it before it happens to be too late and went wide to avoid crashing into Seb during the first lap.
Crazy bloke……
Slr (@slr)
25th November 2012, 21:03
When Brazil produces an entertaining race, it’s usually one of the best races ever. 2003, 2006, 2008 and 2012 are four of the best races I’ve ever seen, all of them in my top ten. 2007 and 2009 were also classic.
paulipedia (@paulipedia)
26th November 2012, 14:26
It is a great circuit, which is helped by the fact it often rains and is often a title decider
@HoHum (@hohum)
25th November 2012, 21:03
But why is Massa having to give position to Alonso when until recently he couldn’t stay in sight of Alonso, what was going on ?
OEL F1 (@oel-f1)
25th November 2012, 21:31
You see, there was a championship going on and Ferrari were trying to win it.
Guilherme (@guilherme)
25th November 2012, 21:48
@oel-f1 I think @hohum point is that Alonso was so superior to Massa earlier in the season that he didn’t even need to be handed the positions, Massa was already miles behind. Why so suddenly Alonso started to need positions from Massa (or to have Massa be held up, like in Korea)?
ANDREW (@johnson102)
26th November 2012, 8:53
Does anyone remember the beginning of the 2010 season when Massa was repeatedly qualifying just in front of Alonso? Many times in the races we would hear Alonso on team radio complaining that he should be let past yet at that stage Ferrari weren’t ordering their drivers about.
I don’t think Massa has ever really been slow. The fact he can jump back to the front so quickly suggests to me that Ferrari were using his car for development purposes only and wanted him way down the order so he wouldn’t get in Alonso’s way. Once the championship became tight and they needed someone to get in the way of the championship contender, they changed a few settings and here is back at the front.
kechy
26th November 2012, 10:10
Andrew:”the beginning of the 2010 season….Massa was repeatedly qualifying just in front of Alonso”…
You meant Bahrain (1) and Turkey (7). Alonso was in front of Massa in Australia (2), Malaysia (3), China (4), Spain (5), Canada (8), Europe (9), Great Britain (10), Germany(11), Hungary (12).
And about radio “alonso is faster than you” was in Germany, maybe they should said as RB “box, box, box” or order him to safe fuel…don´t know, but the truth is Alonso was faster and he had option to win the race. Don´t forget, after 10 races, Fernando was much closer than Felipe in points (Felipe 67, Alonso 98, Vettel 121, Webber 128, Button 133, Hamilton 145) and only 9 races to go. If they race each other could had an accident and loose any option.
That´s my opinion :-)
Sevrige (@sevrige)
25th November 2012, 21:05
Great race and happy for Vettel on his third WDC. I was a bit disappointed with Webber today. I realize he wants to race to win, but sometimes you need to ease up on your teammate when your not fighting for the title. Vettel may not have been down near Senna had Webber not came across to cover Vettel into turn 1. Later in the race, a noticeably slower Webber was trying pretty hard to not let Vettel through. Very frustrating to watch, probably more so for the guys on the pitwall.
Njack (@njack)
25th November 2012, 21:54
Webber let Vettel through later in the race, FOM broadcasted a radio message with a team member thanking him. . . .
Should have been more generous at the start though.
Sevrige (@sevrige)
25th November 2012, 22:35
I realize, he just seemed overly aggressive towards his teammate and if Vettel had not ended up winning the WDC it would have been a huge talking point. I’ll also point out that while Webber let Vettel through on one occasion, he spent more time making Vettel’s life difficult.
david d.m.
26th November 2012, 1:07
You’re absolutely right, I like Webber’s attitude of fighting while he’s still got a mathematical chance, but he went a bit too far in this one, he’s lucky not to have influenced the final result.
MattW
26th November 2012, 1:14
Agreed Sevrige. As a fellow Aussie I admire his fighting spirit and not wanting the #2 label, but when your team mate is fighting for the title and you are out of contention, its time to help him out not make it any harder. Although Massa holding his job is pretty much dependant on him being Alonso’s
bitch#2, it was was still a great supporting drive that I’m sure Horner would’ve been hoping for from MarkRoberto38
26th November 2012, 4:47
Fully agree, although in a post-race interview he said it’s the conditions which made him close the door on Vettel and he was forced to fight the car.. not sure if this is an excuse or not, since it looked pretty deliberate on camera..
gwenouille (@gwenouille)
25th November 2012, 21:07
Strange how JB keeps coming on top in these kinds of situations…
Can someone explain why we got the 1st safety car ?
I am under the impression that a radio message from FA can have quite a powerful influence…
Fer no.65 (@fer-no65)
25th November 2012, 21:12
@gwenouille Vettel complained about debris too, so it was a smart thing to do.
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine)
25th November 2012, 21:25
@gwenouille We can never rule out the possibility of these being selectively edited – especially after FOM omitted important sections from two Red Bull radio messages in the last two races on the world feed. Vettel also complained about debris, as @fer-no65 says, and I wouldn’t be surprised if others did too.
^Mo^
25th November 2012, 22:11
I don’t like how they’re doing that. Either play it all, or don’t do it. It creates a certain air if they play one particular part of a radio message, they can make a driver look bad, they can give away strategy, or they may be plain useless to non-Italian speaking viewers. I also didn’t like how they cut Schumacher’s little speech short today.
Ogurka
25th November 2012, 23:02
I’d like to hear the transmission from Pilbeam to Webber when he took Vettel and Kobayashi 3 wide into the corner. I’m sure it was something like “Mark…***!” before Webber jinked right and ran wide off the circuit. :-)
Antonio Nartea (@tony031r)
25th November 2012, 21:15
@gwenouille – Debris on track. And it wasn’t just Alonso complaining. I’m sure Rosberg, who got a puncture after catching a carbon piece with his rear right, wasn’t happy either and nor were Hamilton and Button who cleared some of the small pieces off track several times.
gwenouille (@gwenouille)
25th November 2012, 21:20
OK, fair enough… I’am always so disappointed when i see the SC… I felt it was hard luck for HUL and BUT who had the guts to stay on slicks. Their reward , the 45sec gap, simply vanished with the SC…
sorin (@)
26th November 2012, 9:41
When hamilton overtook them, they all have the same tyres. Even more, Hulk and Button had newer tyres, than Hamilton.
Dom (@3dom)
25th November 2012, 21:18
@gwenouille JB shows his experience and insight in changeable conditions but he had some luck on his side coz LH & NH were extremely impressive also. have to say that hulkenburg was fab, same about his mistake ruining his and lewis’ races
I personally don’t think there was anything sinister here, there was a lot of debris on track, rosberg had just picked up a puncture from it. Purely from a safety point of view it made sense. Also it may have ended up being one of the championship contenders who got a puncture…
sorin (@)
26th November 2012, 9:50
Button was good in this condition, because Hamilton wasn’t there, like Canada 2011 when JB took him, now Hulk took him, and in Hungary, last year, when Hamilton choosed bad tyres. But in every situation Hamilton was faster than Button.
Nick Frowen (@frow1967)
26th November 2012, 11:04
so how did Button get a 47 second lead on Hamilton then before safety car? As far as I can see he passed hamiltonb under opure race conditions and raced out to a genuine lead !
Alex (@)
25th November 2012, 21:18
@gwenouille – I think it’s some combination of the following:
1. Button’s good in the rain – he’s not the only one, but it’s a start.
2. Once he’s won that way a couple of times, I imagine he gets into the habit of thinking about tactics when the conditions are changeable.
3. He has enough confidence to tell the engineers when he disagrees. Generally most of the top engineers make the same calls… if Button is the only driver telling them when the situation feels different, that’s an advantage
4. Like many truisms, we tend to remember the times it’s true, and forget the times it’s false. There have been several races with mixed conditions where Hamilton has finished ahead of Button. It nearly happened again today… albeit Button had a 47-second advantage before the safety car.
Fer no.65 (@fer-no65)
25th November 2012, 21:10
It’s so exciting to read it all again… I’ll download this race and watch it again, calmly. At one point too much was happening, and it was hard to breathe ! my dad and I were both trying to work out what had happened, while other stuff was happening and we were missing it… it was unbelievable, best 24 laps ever.
In the end, I’m so sad about Hulkenberg. He could’ve walked away with it… a bit too harsh with the penalty too, it was a raciing incident.
Fer no.65 (@fer-no65)
25th November 2012, 21:24
And kudos to Red Bull for building such a strong car. Vettel got hit from everywhere, it was amaizing he was able to continue like that…
Neiana (@neiana)
26th November 2012, 3:31
And Force India! These two teams must have the strongest cars on the grid!
Jon (@patomilan)
25th November 2012, 22:01
You mean best 71 consecutive laps ever!!
Atticus (@atticus-2)
25th November 2012, 21:11
A so well-written review. The images of this race are so intensely wired into my brain and the lines brought them alive so effectively. Thank you, Keith. For all the work you did with this site through the whole year, frankly. F1 would not have been the same without the knowledge I gained from this website.
What a way to end an F1 season. This was a relentlessly breathtaking year right up until the end of the last Grand Prix.
Dom (@3dom)
25th November 2012, 21:21
+1000
Keith Collantine (@keithcollantine)
25th November 2012, 21:22
@atticus-2 @3dom Thanks very much guys, I really appreciate it.
Guilherme (@guilherme)
25th November 2012, 21:53
@keithcollantine Thanks to you, Keith! Brazillian coverage is ridiculous, so it is not a stretch at all to say that you’re partially responsible for my F1 fanaticism :P
Adam Blocker (@blockwall2)
25th November 2012, 22:51
@keithcollantine No, Thanks to you! You’re coverage of F1 all year has been superb.
DaveW (@dmw)
26th November 2012, 1:58
You should be spraying champagne around your office now. The title of best F1 site was never in doubt this year. Site get’s better and better every year.
Alex (@)
25th November 2012, 21:13
An amazing year. Vettel and Red Bull – what a team!
I’m already looking forward to the next season. I think most would agree that the top drivers are Alonso, Button, Hamilton, Raikkonen and Vettel. Next year they’ll all be at different teams. 5 teams with world-class drivers means 5 teams that will fight for victory every time their cars give them a chance.
For now, though, I’m savouring an unpredictable race where so many drivers had a chance to shine. It feels like at least half the field had some moment of glory. None moreso than our new triple world champion.
Kimi4WDC
25th November 2012, 23:31
Button looks out of place when you mention the rest.
Nick Frowen (@frow1967)
26th November 2012, 11:08
Another Button Knocker…Button is equally as a racer as any of them
Tomsk (@tomsk)
25th November 2012, 21:14
A suitably epic race report. A great read, and I agree with your closing point. More drivers were in contention in 2010, but they weren’t as impressive or consistent as Alonso this year. And this year’s Red Bull’s often been second best to the McLaren, with – on their day – Lotus, Mercedes or Williams in among them too.
James Brickles (@brickles)
25th November 2012, 21:14
I didn’t see anything on either side of the track that would reason a yellow flag. I’m presuming it was the ‘oil flag’ light that was on, not the yellow flag.
FlyingLobster27
25th November 2012, 22:42
As pointed out correctly on another article, the pass took place in an area with fixed yellow lights – caution lights are not fixed, they flash. It’s a subtlety, but signalling is precise. If there are no flashing yellow lights, there is no yellow…
crr917 (@crr917)
25th November 2012, 21:23
Taking the finish in formation was pretty nice. There was just 1 lap left and the cars were too far for surprises. Reminded me of Le Mans and quite rightfully as the race felt as long as an endurance one.
Atticus (@atticus-2)
25th November 2012, 21:36
Yeah, I agree. In fairness, I’d most often agree with the view that a finish under caution is somewhat dull and NASCAR’s G-W-C is actually a very good and working idea.
But today, I just felt fitting that a breathless rush of competition throughtout the whole year, up and down, and down to the wet, foggy, soggy darkness of Interlagos to end with a gracefully slow last lap – as a sign of the end of all the fight.
Guilherme (@guilherme)
25th November 2012, 21:36
Hey @keithcollantine, sorry to nitpick, but…
The actual name of the corner is Descida do Lago, which means “Descent of the Lake”. Subida do Lago means “Ascent of the Lake”. :P
JerseyF1 (@jerseyf1)
26th November 2012, 11:07
@guilherme I’m pretty sure Vettel ended up facing up the hill!!
claudioff (@claudioff)
25th November 2012, 21:48
If I were a Lotus mechanic I would give to Kimi a GPS!
Adam Blocker (@blockwall2)
25th November 2012, 22:52
+1
Jubameister
26th November 2012, 7:25
Maybe a co-driver and some pace notes?
Cosmas (@cosmas)
26th November 2012, 10:14
@claudioff, check out his new T-SHIRT :)
CRM
25th November 2012, 22:25
I thought it was shocking how Schumacher pulled over to let Vettel pass. They are not teammates and Schumacher owes it to Alonso, and the integrity of F1 as a competition, to at least put up reasonable resistance if they are racing for position. Schumacher has no right to manipulate the winner of a world championship to the driver he prefers. Would Mercedes be impressed that Schumacher pulled over to give away points? Other than that, which annoyed me, one of the best races I have seen!
matt90 (@matt90)
25th November 2012, 22:56
I found it disgusting too. Had they both been one position back, then that would have been a title-deciding incident, as it would have been if somebody else had somehow found their way ahead of both drivers.
Kimi4WDC
25th November 2012, 23:35
Have you been a Ferrari fan lately? The way they drive must be pretty disgusting with that set of logic of yours.
Michael knows more than anyone how thing Ferrari’s ethics can be stretched, considering he was way slower, you are over reacting.
matt90 (@matt90)
26th November 2012, 16:39
What does Ferrari have to do with anything? I accept that team mates will help one another, as they are team mates. Drivers who are only mates should not try and influence a championship. You are under-reacting.
Liz Power (@gizmopuddy)
25th November 2012, 23:04
Schumacher pulling over did not affect the outcome of the title. Vettel had already won it in 7th. If Alonso got first, that sixth would have been no use to him. It was the last couple of laps of Schumi’s illustrious career, he didn’t want to crash out.
marcusbreese (@marcusbreese)
25th November 2012, 23:25
It was a nice passing of the mantle…from Schumi to the one they used to call Baby Schumi. Vettel would have overtaken him anyway.
Liz Power (@gizmopuddy)
26th November 2012, 0:13
I loved that he told a journalist once, he didn’t want to be the new Schumi, he wanted to be the new Vettel. I thought Schumacher was wonderfully gracious at the end of the race
asingh1 (@asingh1)
26th November 2012, 0:20
I don’t think it was disgusting at all. I think it showed the mark of the man: he was willing to let Vettel through so it wouldn’t cost him any time (which he didn’t have to do). It was a poignant moment in that it was his last race, and he said himself he wanted Vettel to win the championship. So if he wanted to help, there was certainly nothing wrong with that.
It kind of had echoes of Suzuka ’98; Schumacher was making his way through and most drivers actually just let him past.
CRM
26th November 2012, 1:16
What bizarre logic people supporting Schumacher’s actions are using. Would any of you have been happy if Button pulled over to let Alonso win the race and the title because he liked Alonso more than he liked Vettel? Schumachers actions were grossly unfair on Alonso who had to fight for every single place and position (on a non-team mate) whereas Vettel effectively had both his team mate and Schumacher helping him. Why should Vettel get ‘free passes’ against some drivers? Schumacher should have raced properly and fairly against Vettel, in order to be fair to Alonso and to maintain the integrity of the race as a proper competitive competition. I was totally disgusted with Schumacher’s attempts to manipulate and twist the result of the race.
Bob (@bobthevulcan)
26th November 2012, 2:26
This “free pass” amounted to nothing. Vettel already had the WDC in the bag by being in P7. Him finishing P6 would have made no difference for Alonso. Besides that, Schumacher was considerably slower than Vettel at that stage in the race, and would have been passed further down the track anyway.
Schumacher did not “twist the result of the race”. By then, it was a foregone conclusion that Vettel would take the title.
Mike (@mike)
26th November 2012, 2:26
I bet Schumacher caused Hulkenburg to lose grip and hit Hamilton too! Didn’t you see him before the race? HE WAS LICKING THE TRACK I TELL YOU…..
Mike (@mike)
26th November 2012, 2:25
That’s silly, If Schu wants to let Vettel Through, then Schu can let Vettel Through.
Neiana (@neiana)
26th November 2012, 3:36
And when a slower driver lets a faster driver pass who isn’t Vettel or when it doesn’t involve a win/championship, it’s perfectly fine, right? It happens nearly every race and especially when a driver is massively slower.
Great Alonso colored glasses you’ve got, by the way.
Suvan Naidu (@serv)
26th November 2012, 11:16
Schumacher doesn’t owe Alonso a thing.
CRM
26th November 2012, 13:24
Maybe i’m wrong here but I just think drivers should race for position in a title deciding race and not pull over to let their friends pass. Where do we ever draw the line if we let this happen? Should Button have stopped putting pressure on Kobayashi in Japan because Kobayashi was on for a podium and it would have been nice to see that at his home race? I’m no Alonso fan but I want to see every driver racing like their life depended on it when they are racing for points and position. Disgusting to see Schumacher pulling over as if he was being lapped when he was fighting for points and position. I also note that all the Schumacher/Vettel supporters have’t addressed the point I made about whthter or not it would have been fair if Button had pulled over from the lead to let Alonos win the race and the title because he liked Alonso more than Vettel. That would have been exactly the same thing.
Kimi4WDC
25th November 2012, 22:46
I wish McLaren would have signed Hulkenberg instead of Perez, he was massively impressive, shame it ended like it did.
Not great race as Kimi fan, but another amazing wheel to wheel action from Kimi. And again Kimi avoids major incident where he nearly takes out Vettel, young drivers take notes!
Aled Davies (@aledinho)
26th November 2012, 9:24
+1
Hulkenberg has been brilliant in the 2nd half of the season! I think once he got back into it after a eyar off he really put Di Resta in the shade (who’s massively over rated in my opinion)
He seems a lot more mature than Perez too! But we will see next year how Perez does!
With the small change in regulations, looks like Mclaren will be strong again (although I dont think either driver would be consistent enough to win the title)
sato113 (@sato113)
25th November 2012, 22:53
incredible race. amazing. very lucky for vettel though that no a huge crash had no serious damage. on the other hand (typically) Hamilton had a comparatively small hit and had to retire. the strategy worked perfectly for Alonso but Vettel had the benefit of other retiring and a very strung out field. well done to both!
I Love the Pope
25th November 2012, 22:55
I make it quite clear that I like Vettel. But I’m not a Red Bull fan. I actually like Ferrari more as a team. I’m not an Alonso guy but I recognize his talent and respect him for it. I would love to see Massa get a fair shot against him. I would love to see Vettel in red, as in Ferrari red, but its not going to happen.
Which leads me to my question: Will Ferrari give Massa a fair shake next year? Will they be even going into the year, and if Felipe finds himself ahead of the chosen one, will they allow him to BE ahead?
David-A (@david-a)
26th November 2012, 0:53
If Massa genuinely matches Alonso from the start of the season (as opposed to the shocking driving from him at the start of this year), I see no reason why they wouldn’t then let him challenge Alonso, much like how Ferrari were run in 2007-2008.
I Love the Pope
26th November 2012, 3:03
I really hope so! I know it is a personal flaw of mine, but I’ve never been a big Alonso fan. I want to like him, and I recognize his ability, but he just doesn’t do it for me. And I like Ferrari, which makes it hard sometimes.
Thomas (@)
26th November 2012, 15:42
@david-a no way … Alonso would never allow this. You saw it in 07 at McLaren – that’s why I feel sorry for Massa. He has the potential but will never be allowed to show it.
Suvan Naidu (@serv)
26th November 2012, 11:41
I’m much like you. My favourite team is Ferrari but my favourite driver is Vettel. Still admire Alonso’s skills though. I’d love to see Vettel and Alonso go toe-to-toe as Ferrari teamates.
Howard (@howard)
26th November 2012, 0:27
Kimi going walk abouts LOL!
DaveW (@dmw)
26th November 2012, 0:41
That was spellbinding. After seeing Alonso zoom to 4th at the start, then Vettel facing the wrong way, I knew this was going to be something special. Really it was another incredible Houdini race from Alonso, getting up to 2nd, albeit with much help from Massa. Vettel all but choked it away—going off in Q3 and starting way back, terrible start, slamming the door on Senna, changing to wrong tires then changing again, terrible SC restart. Perhaps he labored under a curse. But it seems maybe he had worn a bit of red under his overalls to ward off Luca’s Malocchio.
asingh1 (@asingh1)
26th November 2012, 0:56
Wasn’t particularly bad: Vettel mentioned the damage to his car had hurt the dry weather performance and the top speed of the car.
Hairs (@hairs)
26th November 2012, 0:51
“That’s what happens when you’re racing with the less experienced” says Hamilton about Hulkenberg.
Hamilton should really look at the season review from last year on DVD…..
Cronies (@cronies)
26th November 2012, 11:24
haha +1
Colossal Squid (@colossal-squid)
26th November 2012, 1:00
Aww it’s been about 6 hours, the adrenaline’s gone and it’s sunk in that it’s all over. Still, talk about going out on a high. Button must now know how Webber felt in ’09…winning a race but it being overshadowed by the celebrations elsewhere!
So…when does pre season testing start? :)
U2F1 (@u2f1)
26th November 2012, 7:37
Best quote of the race :)
Lotus
Kimi Raikkonen (10th)
“It was a busy race and we didn’t have the pace we wanted all the time. There was certainly a lot going on. I went off at the last corner on lap fifty-two as I couldn’t see well with my visor being dirty and fogged up. Where I went off you can get back on the track by going through the support race pit lane, but you have to go through a gate. I know this as I did the same thing in 2001 and the gate was open that year. Somebody closed it this time. Next year I’ll make sure it’s open again.”
mattshaw85 (@)
26th November 2012, 9:03
Cracking race, Vettel very lucky to keep his right rear wheel though!
I know the yellow flag thing has been done to death, but Alan Mcnish seemed to think he overtook on yellows, albeit marginally after looking at it on the “SKYPAD”. Be interested to hear others thoughts on that.
I’m not his biggest fan but it’s a shame for Hamilton really as his last race for Mclaren summed up his season. Probably on average the best car over the course of the year, should have at least been in the hunt for the WC.
gwenouille (@gwenouille)
26th November 2012, 9:05
I’ve just seen this footage:
http://www1.skysports.com/formula-1/news/12475/8282398/Race-stewards-insist-that-Sebastian-Vettel-overtake-was-made-under-yellow-red-flags
I have to say that i am a bit disturbed by 2 things:
1. Vettels crash at the start: not Senna’s fault after all. SV just slammed the door. He was just too wide, didn’t know there was someone inside. He is at fault for taking out 2 cars, but no penalty was given: maybe the stewards considered that he was punished with the resultant last place…
2. Overtaking KK under yellow flags: pretty clear. If that’s not overtaking under yellow flags, then what is ???
The “KK pitted so SV couldn’t give the place back” argument is plainly wrong. A drive-through would have been fine, especially considering he escaped one earlier (HUL earned one…)
rankx10
26th November 2012, 10:21
as written above, the light was not flashing.
rankx10
26th November 2012, 10:34
in other words, the lights work this way:
flashing yellow = yellow flags, slow down
steady yellow = red-and-yellow flags, slippery
a shame brundle doesn’t know.
gwenouille (@gwenouille)
26th November 2012, 10:46
Ahhhhhhh, OK ! That makes sense then, thanks !
So point 2 is cleared, and VET did well to overtake KK
But about point 1 ? To me SV is 100% at fault there…
mattshaw85 (@)
26th November 2012, 13:44
Does anyone know if Hulkenburg got a penalty after the race for sliding into Hamilton? Seems like the 2 incidents should be treated similarly?
Thomas (@)
26th November 2012, 15:44
actually this was a 50/50 race incident – with Senna being behind. If they were next to each other then Vettel would have received the penalty.
Aled Davies (@aledinho)
26th November 2012, 9:20
Great way to end the season!
In the end Vettel deserved it, shades of Luck in his Abu Dhabi recovery but he did brilliantly to get back in position today! I still think there are doubts about him racing in the pack when he is under pressure but he’s proved he can overtake!
What I’d love to see now…is a proper championship battle between Hamilton and Vettel…the 2 quickest over a single lap!
Incredible season by Alonso, In my opinion also the best 1 from Hamilton yet.
Few decent drives by JB but ultimately he was thrashed by Hamilton this year (although the points table shows it was only 2 points!!)
Hulkenberg strong end to season too!
How many days till Australia???
Anele (@)
26th November 2012, 9:37
kimi made my day what a legend. well done Sebastian. people can talk all they want bit three championship in a row is incredible
Cosmas (@cosmas)
26th November 2012, 10:26
KIMI you’re the Best.
Just for fun, Here his new T-SHIRT
Abnash (@abnash)
26th November 2012, 10:26
Since their partnership began in Bahrain 2010, Jenson Button has
outscored Lewis by 15 points, 672-657
Retirements:
Hamilton-2010 Spain, 2010 Italy, 2010 Singapore, 2011 Canada,
2011 Belgium, 2011 Brazil, 2012 Germany, 2012 Belgium, 2012 Singapore,
2012 Abu Dhabi, 2012 Brazil = 11 retirements, 2 his fault
Button-2010 Monaco, 2010 Belgium, 2011 Britain, 2011 Germany,
2012 Bahrain, 2012 Italy, 2012 Korea = 7 retirements, 0 his fault
Nick Frowen (@frow1967)
26th November 2012, 15:25
so essentially there is only in reality a 2 race difference between the 2 of them with regards to DNF for technical reasons which means that it is all a bit academic, Button has performed equally as well as Hamilton over the course of the 3 seasons and yet people still believe Hamilton is by far the better driver. It seems as though Hamilton may be the better 1 lap qualifier but in general race pace and strategy Button is equal to or marginally better, and since races are not won over 1 lap then maybe it is possible that Button is actually the better driver ??
Nick (@nick101)
28th November 2012, 12:55
Sorry pal, but your stats are a little wrong.
11 retirements for Hamilton and at LEAST 4 of them were his fault.
2010 Italy
2010 Sing
2011 Canada
2011 Belgium
freedo50 (@)
26th November 2012, 10:49
So happy that we got the final showdown this championship deserved! What a race!
As a Vettel fan, I’m so pleased to see him win again – I think he’s shown talents that should go some way to shutting his critics up, although he hasn’t been perfect.
One thing I think we should remember; Mark Webber has had the same car as Vettel all three years, and while he was close in 2010, he’s not made it stick. Almost everyone views Webber as one of the most talented racers in the field, so why do the same people think Vettel isn’t a top driver?
Yes, he shows some lapses of judgement when running close in a pack (but generally not one-on-one), but his strength obviously lies instead in putting together perfect laps when he’s by himself, and look how well that’s paid off for him. I would agree he’s not the most complete driver in the field (Alonso), but he is definitely a top driver, and thoroughly deserving of all three championships.
I think people are confused between whether Vettel is deserving of three championships, and whether Alonso/Hamilton are unlucky to have lost out. Unlucky != Not Deserving in my book.
AndrewTanner (@andrewtanner)
26th November 2012, 21:16
What a race! It was a shame that Di Resta ended the season on an anti-climax BUT it was unexpected so I guess that was just another element of surprise? Kinda reminded me of an Indycar race which often ends under caution or the pace car…like this years Indy 500.
A scrappy race from The Hulk was great to watch and he certainly had no fear taking the battle to McLaren. I think he was a little hard done by when it came to the Hamilton incident, owing to the weather but it’s always good to see the drivers challenged and he still delivered.