“It is a shame because, after such a long season that we really fight in all
conditions, we raced 18 races and not 20 – and being second by three points
is not a lot.
“Watch the facts. Zero points in two races (Belgium and Japan) so we have done
what we have done with 18 races. The others had 20 – and the points were
over 20 races. These are facts, not words.”
But Domenicali remained gracious in his praise of Vettel who had collided with
Williams driver Bruno Senna on the opening lap and was sent spinning to the
rear of the field in Sunday’s rain-lashed race before recovering.
“Sometimes there is a sign of destiny where you really can appreciate what is
the direction of the wind,” he said.
Alonso, who was second behind Jenson Button of McLaren in the race, also
insisted his campaign had been undermined at Spa and Suzuka.
“The championship was not lost here,” said the two-time champion. “The
championship was lost when (Romain) Grosjean flew over my head (at Spa) or
when Vettel surprisingly only got a reprimand after qualifying in Japan.”
Vettel became only the third driver in history to win three successive titles,
equalling the feats of the great Argentine Juan Manuel Fangio and childhood
idol Michael Schumacher, who finished seventh for Mercedes in his final race
before retiring.
After 21 years, seven drivers’ championship triumphs and 91 victories, the
43-year-old Schumacher recovered from an early puncture to score points in
his final outing.
“I think it’s a nice ending,” he said. “I’m finishing off and he’s (Vettel)
clinching his third title. I’m very proud of him.”