Taking a giant step towards becoming a modern-time great, Sebastian Vettel cruised into the history books by winning his fourth consecutive Formula One world title as he conquered the Indian Grand Prix for the third time in a row, here today.
Changing his tyres strategy after only two laps on softs from pole position, Vettel switched to mediums and drove sensationally to grab the lead after joining the race in the 17 place, yet again showing that he was uncatchable in his RB09.
Red Bull looked set for a one and two but Mark Webber's race ended due to gearbox problem in lap 40. His team ordered him to stop the car. However, Red Bull still won the constructors' title. So it was double delight for Red Bull.
Vettel bowed on the Buddh International circuit after completing the victory and then jumped on his car, celebrating his historic win, which he took ahead of Mercedes Nico Rosberg, who was 29.8 seconds behind.
Joining them on the podium was Lotus' Romain Grosjean, who had sensational race as he worked his way to third position after starting 17 on the grid.
Vettel needed to finish only fifth to become youngest quadruple champion. With this win, he took his points tally to 322. Only Ferrai's Fernando Alonso could have kept the championship alive but he could not get a single point by finishing a distant 11th.
Ever since the Formula One world arrived in India, Vettel has dominated everything from dominating practice sessions to winning all three Poles and races.
Only two drivers before Vettel have won four straight titles -- Juan Manuel Fangio from Argentina and German great Michael Schumacher. Frenchman Alain Prost is another driver who has won four titles but he did not win those in a row and Vettel is now youngest quadruple champion at the age 26.
It was Vettel's sixth win in a row and the affable German now has the record of nine consecutive wins in sight with three races to go in the season.
Italian Alberto Ascari had established the astonishing nine-win record in 1952-53.
