Sebastian Vettel has set a new record by becoming the youngest racing driver in Formula One history to win consecutive world championship motorsport trophies. Vettel clinched the 2011 world championship with his third place finish in the Japan Grand Prix. The German driver, 24, came in behind England’s Jensen Button and Fernando Alonso of Spain, but needed only a single point to claim the latest in his impressive run of motorsport trophies.
Vettel, driving for Red Bull, now joins a select group of just nine racing drivers, including Formula One legends Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna, to win back to back world championships. The German was clearly overcome in the immediate aftermath of his achievement, running to join in celebrations with mechanics from his team, and the championship marks a fitting end to a season Vettel has dominated throughout with nine victories from 15 races.
The emotional driver told reporters:
“To wrap up the championship here, which has been the ultimate target this year, is difficult to put into words. It’s more than fantastic.”
The victory in the Japanese Grand Prix provided some consolation for Button, who saw his slim hopes of catching Vettel in the race for the world championship end. The Englishman came in ahead of second placed Alonso by 1.1 seconds, to secure the 12th victory of his racing career and his third of this Formula One season. However former world champion Michael Schumacher continued his disappointing comeback with a sixth placed finish – despite having led the field briefly following the final series of pit stops.