“I am just so thankful to everyone in the team… pushing hard to build two
cars, to fight for a lot of points and to fight for the championship.
“We put ourselves in a very, very strong position and it is great to achieve
the goal we set ourselves going into this year already.”
Vettel did single out one person for a special mention – trainer Tommi
Parmakoski, with whom he has spent most of his time this year.
“He is the one who did not allow me, at any stage this year, to lose my grip,
to start to fly, or think about things not in our control,” added Vettel.
“This year we have always been just this one step ahead, and it is down to
people like Tommi and other individuals. Every single one (in the team) has
pushed more than 100% to do his job and keep us on the right track.
“There is no secret – you just take it step by step, and I could not have done
it alone. I have needed all the support I could get from the team, from Mark
(Webber), from everyone outside the team working for me.”
Button, a popular winner as he has effectively made Japan his second home,
naturally offered his congratulations to Vettel.
“This gives us, as a team, a lot of motivation,” said Button.
“Three cars within two seconds of one another shows how competitive
Formula One is at the moment.
“I believe we’ve done something here to plant a good memory in the minds
of the Japanese people after a tough year.
“But lastly it should be Sebastian we talk about this year because this
guy has done a great job, so congratulations.”