Sebastian Vettel was officially crowned the 2013 Formula 1 World Champion during the FIA’s annual end of year gala in Paris on Friday.
The Red Bull driver, along with his team, dominated the season with 13 race wins – nine of which were consecutive to set a new record – and amassed 397 points, 155 more than his nearest rival Fernando Alonso.
He described the season and his achievements “incredible” during a short speech to accept his fourth title.
“When I think of the times I’ve experienced with the team over the last few years, it’s incredible,” said the German.
“It’s a pleasure to jump in the car each weekend and to try and give it all I have. I’m pushing very hard along with the team and what makes us strong is that we love what we do and we’re passionate about racing.
“This year was not an easy season, but to overcome that and give the answer on the track makes me very proud. I don’t have words to describe how incredible it is to retain the drivers’ championship for another year.”
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner added: “When we won the championship for the first time, the pressure was to defend it.
“We defended it and then retained it. Having achieved the triple, you think it doesn’t get any better than that and the likelihood of doing a quadruple double just seemed statistically unlikely, if nothing else.
“But the passion, the determination and the dedication within the whole team, along with the way that Sebastian and Mark delivered this year, has been absolutely phenomenal.”
