Sebastian IV

Sebastian Vettel, already a three-time world champion, started the first two races of the 2013 Formula One season on pole position, and at the Malaysian Grand Prix, making the best possible use of the Red Bull RB9 designed by Adrian Newey and his team, he lapped over 2.5 seconds faster than teammate Webber in qualifying during a wet session. His domination was without contest.

He won the race, though not without controversy. Vettel ignored team orders and passed Webber for the lead. The Australian was furious after the race and said that Vettel “will have protection (from the team) as usual, and that’s the way it goes.” Team principal Christian Horner, although unhappy with Vettel’s actions, pointed out that Webber had defied team orders on several previous occasions… Vettel for his defence declared: “I believe that Mark didn’t deserve to win this race.”

Following wins in Bahrain and Canada, his championship lead was cut at the British Grand Prix, as he was denied a likely win due to gearbox failure. Vettel bounced back to win his home race in Germany for the first time. After he finished third in Hungary, Vettel won the last nine races of the season and set the record for most consecutive race wins in the history of the championship. He sealed his fourth consecutive World Drivers’ Title at the Indian Grand Prix after a dominant season, that could have gone without the controversy reported above.