Vettel wins championship despite Button victory

Sebastian Vettel claimed third place in today's Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka to take the world championship for the second successive year as Jenson Button won the race ahead of Ferrari's Fernando Alonso.

Vettel-2011 World Champion

Vettel only needed one point from the reamining 5 races to take the championship so it was inevitable that he would be crowned world champion once more. The German started this race on pole with Button second and team mate Lewis Hamilton behind in third. From the start, it looked that Jenson Button had made a good get away but Vettel was not going to let him take 1st place easily pushing Button wide and on to the grass which allowed Hamilton to get upto second. The stewards then confirmed that they would be investigating the incident but took no further action. Button continued to race and kept on catching up with Hamilton before he got the chance and Lewis lifted off allowing Button through but it appeared Hamilton had a problem and slowed down before going to the pits. He had a puncture in one of his rear tyres and therefore lost a few places unfortunately.


Vettel was pulling out a good lead at the front but with Jenson second, this lead was reduced and after a few pitstops, Felipe Massa was leading the race. Then shortly after Button pitted once more but timed it perfectly and came out ahead of Vettel to claim the advantage.

Just under halfway through the race, Felipe Massa was closing down on Hamilton and the two made contact after all of the controversy in Singapore two weeks ago between the two. The debris left on the track from this and in another area consequently resulted in a safety car and brought the pack closer. Button was keen to back the cars up before he got away quickly. Fernando Alonso shortly overtook his team mate Felipe Massa in what appeared to be an ordered move. Alonso then went up to second as Vettel pitted an towards the end of the race continued to drive fast. With just a few laps to go Alonso was really closing in on Button who responded soon after with the fastest middle sector which meant he saw out the race comfortably to take victory. This was an emotional victory for Button, who's girlfriend is Japanese, because of the tragedies earlier this year in Japan. Alonso finished second and Vettel third to win the become the 2011 World Champion with 4 races left.

Before the podium ceremony could begin, the drivers were sat down when Vettel came in; he was congratulated by Jenson Button who then asked him "Did you not see me at the start?" to which Vettel replied "Yes, you were right behind me". Button then said "I was halfway alongside you and I was on the grass". Vettel responded "Yes, halfway". Button then replied "That's how were racing then". A bit of friction between the two which was entertaining to watch but Button congratulated him again on the podium and in his post race interview. It was a great way to celebrate his new contract at Mclaren and he certainly looks like he will be a fierce competitor next year. He hasn't given up this year despite Vettel's dominance. Vettel's worst position this year is 4th which says everything about his dominance. The next race is in a week's time in Korea. Congratulations to Sebastian Vettel for an incredible year and he thoroughly deserves the world championship for a second time, he is now the youngest ever double world champion.