“It’s a win you’ll take for sure because I’ve had bad luck or whatever you
want to call it. It’s an important win for me and the team to finish on a
high.
“I enjoyed the last few laps. It’s always nice when I could pit a bit later
than people and cover people off. Nice way to finish.”
Vettel said that his team-mate had produced a “fantastic race” and deserved
his victory but refused to curse his own luck.
Although he won here in 2010, and triumphed in 11 races this season, the final
two races this year have been marred by technical problems. He retired on
the first lap in Abu Dhabi because of a puncture.
“It was a real shame for me as I had a good start and a very good feeling,” he
said. But he added: “We had an amazing season and it would be over the top
being upset now, so we take this second place.
“It has been a phenomenal year and a strong finish as well. We are all looking
forward to the break and coming back as strong as this year.”
At one point he told his team over his radio that he felt a bit like Ayrton
Senna in 1991 – when the late, great Brazilian won his home race despite a
deteriorating gearbox that left him stuck in sixth for the final couple of
laps – but the German’s problems were never quite that severe.
“I had to turn down the engine and short-shift,” Vettel said. “It was getting
worse through the race and I ended up having to use higher gears.”
Red Bull team chief Christian Horner, whose drivers claimed 27 podium finishes
during the season, said he believed Sunday’s win would ensure that Webber
returned stronger next year.
“Mark’s had a tough year, but he’s kept his head down,” Horner said. “He
wanted to finish the year on a high after facing a driver in the form of his
life and he’s done that.
“I’m sure he’ll come back stronger next year.”