Sunday: Red Bull realizes their work in Japan… Vettel the title!

Sebastian Vettel – 1st:

Many people thought having the title would be easy, but one of the most important things is that we never allowed ourselves to think it would be easy; So we stayed as focused as possible at each lap and each Grand Prix and then there… wow… So I thank the whole team working both in Milton Keynes and here in the paddocks and the pits. Sometimes we just see 2 cars and 2 drivers. But it’s much more than that. We don’t imagine the load that comes with running a single-seater. Especially since sometimes, we don’t treat the car in the best way… but we just try to do our best at each lap.

What is happening right now is enormous, we have achieved our goal together: winning the championship, and doing it 4 races before the end of the season is unimaginable. It’s as amazing as the first title! I never imagined I would win F1 championships. I have so many great memories in F1, from when I watched it on TV to these last few minutes… There was so much excitement today during the circuit parade that it was my last thought before I put on my helmet. For a driver, there’s nothing better than a sunny day and motivated supporters! I believe that’s why we live… So combining all this with the title is more than incredible, there are no words to define this emotion.

Mark Webber – 4th:

Congratulations to Sebastian [Vettel] for becoming a double world champion. Very good work. Most of the overtaking today happened mainly during pit stops and not too much on the track. We overtook a Ferrari and a McLaren, but it was quiet on the track. I had some action with Michael [Schumacher] which cost me some damage to my front wing at a crucial moment in the race. Then the safety car came out and really allowed me to get back in touch with the leaders, especially Fernando Alonso, whom I hoped to overtake. Fernando pitted, but when I was getting closer to him, Michael Schumacher came out of the pits and I lost time once again behind him. In the end, it’s a decent result for me. Jenson [Button] had a fantastic race; it’s a second victory at home for him in many ways. And once again, congratulations to Seb [Vettel] for the title.

Christian Horner – Director:

First of all, it’s huge for Sebastian Vettel who wins his second title. He drove impeccably all season and he deserves the title. He dominated the season from the first Grand Prix… It’s the result of a lot of work on his part but also from the team, and he can be proud of what he has accomplished. This title places him in a very small universe of double world champions, but above all, of consecutive double world champions, which is very rare.

«Today’s race was complicated. We lost time in the pits, possibly due to our position at the end of the pit lane, but nonetheless, Jenson [Button] had a very impressive race. 3rd and 4th are still very important points for the Constructors’ Championship. We have a 130-point lead, and we must maintain it as long as possible. In short, today is Sebastian [Vettel]’s day! »

Cyril Dumont – Head of Renault Engines:

Of course, I am more than happy today. I think we had a magical Vettel this year. Last year was also superb but this year has been even more intense with emotion. He really earned this title. He never stopped working and continuously attacked. I am really happy for him but also for the Renault guys. We must now finish the job by winning the constructor’s title as well.