Brazilian Grand Prix: Race Anaysis

The 2013 Brazilian Grand Prix was never set to live up to the thrilling climax from 2012, yet the final race of this season was undoubtedly a special occasion for many reasons. Sebastian Vettel claimed his ninth consecutive win and his thirteenth of the season; equalling the respective records set by Ascari and Schumacher. It was an impressive drive once again, but it was teammate Mark Webber who stole the show. His final race ended with a well deserved podium in P2 making it yet another Red Bull 1-2, capping off another magical season for them.

Check out Sky Sports F1's photo gallery for the Brazilian Grand Prix

US Grand Prix: Race Analysis

COTA in Austin may well be one of the best modern circuits in the world, yet the 2013 US Grand Prix was undoubtedly short of action. Regardless, there were some interesting battles up and down the field behind Sebastian Vettel, who waltzed to his eighth successive win. The victory sees him seal the record of the most consecutive wins within one calendar year. If Vettel can triumph in the season finale next week, he will equal two more records. Meanwhile, Romain Grosjean equalled his best result in Formula One by finishing in second after withstanding considerable pressure from Mark Webber throughout the final stint.

Indian Grand Prix: Race Analysis

Was it ever in doubt? Sebastian Vettel claimed his fourth consecutive World Drivers Title today in sublime style, as he dominated the Indian Grand Prix for a third successive year. Vettel managed to convert the compromised strategy of starting on the option tyre to great effect, as he scythed his way through the field after his initial stop on lap two. The victory could have easily been a 1-2 finish for the team but for an unfortunate alternator failure on Mark Webber's car which curtailed his progress in the closing stages. However, Red Bull still managed to wrap up the constructors title in what was a near perfect occasion for the team.

Singapore Grand Prix: Race Analysis

The sixth Singapore Grand Prix encapsulated all of the positive aspects of the previous night races, making for a fine spectacle. However, audiences were engrossed by the fierce, strategic duel for second place, as P1 was never in doubt for a truly dominant Sebastian Vettel. In what has been acclaimed as his greatest ever performance, the German demolished the competition, running at a pace which was at times, a whole two seconds faster than his nearest challengers. Fernando Alonso made another scintillating start, en route to yet another P2, while Kimi Raikkonen fought through the pain barrier to clinch a well earned P3. Vettel was in a different league.

Italian Grand Prix: Race Analysis

Despite the early threat of inclement weather, Sebastian Vettel was able to command the race from a comfortable P1, to claim his third victory at the infamous Italian Grand Prix. Even the power of the Tifosi was not enough to overhaul Vettel's dominance, as Fernando Alonso could only finish second, after enjoying a race long battle with Mark Webber. Further back, it was a thoroughly disappointing day for the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Kimi Raikkonen and Paul Di Resta as their luck failed to change following their less than impressive qualifying displays.

Belgian Grand Prix: Race Analysis

It may not have been a classic race, but the 2013 Belgian Grand Prix was undoubtedly an interesting one where strategy, the weather forecast and Sebastian Vettel dominated proceedings. The German exhibited a faultless cruise to victory, after an incredible start which saw him claim a three second advantage within the opening three laps. Lewis Hamilton had no answer to what was a 2011-esque performance from Vettel. Fernando Alonso managed to seize P2 away from a disappointed Hamilton, despite the Brit's tactical attainment of DRS - The Ferrari was too strong in a straight line. Neither driver posed any threat to the Championship leader.

Hungarian Grand Prix: Race Analysis

We predicted excitement and the tenth round of an exhilarating 2013 World Championship certainly delivered, with Lewis Hamilton claiming his first win for Mercedes and his fourth at the Hungaroring circuit. Following his surprise pole on Saturday, Hamilton suggested that to win would take a miracle yet for the Brit it was a textbook performance; Possibly the best of Hamilton's fruitful career so far. Kimi Raikkonen pulled off a stunning two stop strategy to claim P2, with pre-race favorite Sebastian Vettel being compromised by what seemed like endless issues, finishing only P3, despite mounting an attack on the vulnerable Finn during the final stages.
Lewis' maiden victory was a drive which featured everything a World Champion requires. Speed, controlled aggression and a little bit of luck. The race hinged on the three stop strategy which the majority were forced into completing. With Red Bull and Ferrari taking this option, Hamilton simply had to avoid the two stop traffic which would inevitably be a factor and the Brit executed the pivotal overtakes with ease. After the first stop, he managed to pass Jenson Button and extend his advantage over Sebastian Vettel to twelve seconds, while the German could not pass the immovable McLaren. This lead was crucial and was never relinquished by Hamilton.

German Grand Prix: Race Analysis

Sebastian Vettel victories are often categorized as the boring affairs, where the German claims a comfortable lights to flag win. However, his 30th career victory was a hard fought tussle as Sebastian faced relentless pressure from the fast charging Lotus duo of Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean throughout the race. Nevertheless, an exuberant Sebastian has finally broken his record of never having won on home soil. In addition, he has now also broken his duct of having never won a Grand Prix in the month of July. A fantastic day for Germany and a near perfect day for a resurgent Lotus team.
The German managed to lead into turn one, fending off a fast charging Mark Webber who attempted to aggressively take the lead following a sublime start. Meanwhile, Romain Grosjean and Kimi Raikkonen battled their way into contention. Grosjean managed to close Vettel's lead before a safety car for Jules Bianchi's stricken Marussia brought Kimi Raikkonen into contention.

British Grand Prix: Race Analysis

The British fans were today treated to an enthralling British Grand Prix, packed with controversy, strategy and on track action. Safe to say, it was an explosive race. Lewis Hamilton led Sebastian Vettel early on before he became one of four drivers to experience frightening tyre blowouts which shook the paddock. Teams frantically looked for explanations to prevent the issues and Pirelli frantically examined the suspect rubber. Meanwhile, it was Nico Rosberg who took his third career win despite being moments away from a similar blowout himself as a hole formed on the tread of his left rear tyre, right before his scheduled pit stop. A day of fine margins, but Rosberg came away with a fine result.

Monaco Grand Prix: Race Analysis

After claiming his third successive pole position, Nico Rosberg finally converted pole into victory around he streets of Monaco. It was a highly eventful race, with several major talking points, one of which is sure to rumble on. The secret tyre test instigated by Pirelli has supposedly benefited Mercedes, contravening the sporting regulations. Consequently, Red Bull are leading the appeal against Mercedes' positive result on the streets of Monte-Carlo.
Tyre testing aside, Nico Rosberg dominated the weekend from start to finish. The German never relinquished his lead in the race, throughout all 78 laps, following on from his timesheet topping times in FP1, FP2, FP3 and his stunning pole lap in qualifying. Vettel and Red Bull were hotly tipped for success on Sunday, yet Vettel never really challenged Rosberg, who was able to control the pace.

Spanish Grand Prix: Race Analysis

Never before has there been a more belated Race Analysis! For that, I apologize  As I announced in a previous article, revision for exams has to come first and on this occasion, a late analysis of the Spanish Grand Prix is the resultant bi-product. It may seem like a long time ago, but Fernando Alonso took his second win of the season on Sunday, delighting his home fans in Barcelona. Meanwhile, Kimi Raikkonen reduced Sebastian Vettel's lead in the championship, with an impressive second place. However, tyres were the major talking point as a ludicrous 82 pit-stops were made over the duration of the race.

Bahrain Grand Prix: Race Analysis

Fans could be forgiven today for thinking they were watching a re-run of last season's Bahrain Grand Prix. Sebastian Vettel claimed his second consecutive victory at the circuit, while Raikkonen and Grosjean followed the German home to make it an identical podium to the one just twelve months ago. A case of Deja Vu for all involved. Vettel was unbeatable this afternoon, after making some spectacular maneuvers early on too secure his place at the head of the field. Who says Sebastian cannot race?

Vettel has significantly extended his current stranglehold on the Drivers Championship after becoming the first driver this season to win two races. This victory, was attained with relative ease; stark contrast to the events of Malaysia last month. After initially falling to third, Vettel immediately scythed his way back past Fernando Alonso heading into the high speed apex of turn five. Just a few laps later, he performed a similar overtake on a struggling Nico Rosberg to take a lead, which he was never to concede.

Chinese Grand Prix: Race Analysis

After Saturday's tactics, it was always anticipated that today's race was set to be a classic. We were not disappointed as the split strategies kept everyone firmly on the edge of their seats. With sublime race pace throughout, it was Fernando Alonso who claimed his first win of the season; his second at the Shanghi International Circuit. The rest of the field was full of superb performances and bitter disappointments, making for some interesting conclusions.
Fernando is famous for making fast starts and this was once again the case today. He managed to jump up to second before turn one, courtesy of compromised clutch bitepoint settings cost Raikkonen a poor getaway. It was not long before Fernando, (and teammate Massa) were challenging Lewis Hamilton for the lead. Both managed to topple the Mercedes and from this position, Alonso never looked back. In each and every stint, the Spaniard extended his lead, controlling the pace, with additional speed available on demand. It was an ominous Ferrari victory.

Malaysian Grand Prix: Race Analysis

An unbelievable Malaysian Grand Prix, described by David Croft as a "high speed game of chess" concluded in controversial fashion. Sebastian Vettel managed to take the win, at the expense of teammate Mark Webber, who had been told that his position was safe from Vettel behind. Subsequently, the Aussie turned the engine down and preserved the tyres, only to find that Sebastian was taking matters into his own hands. The total disregard for team orders meant that Vettel managed to fight his way past a furious Webber, however, his 27th career win is certainly an unsavory one.
After Mark Webber had controlled large portions of the race, he had the lead after the final round of pitstops. Since Red Bull had struggled with tyre wear all weekend, Christian Horner had asked the drivers to hold position and secure the one-two finish. However, Sebastian Vettel continued his assault on Mark Webber. A ferocious duel took place over two laps, where Horner told Vettel, "come on Seb, this is silly". Eventually, Vettel took P1 and went on to win the race.

Australian Grand Prix: Race Analysis

Well, after the dominate display from Red Bull during the morning qualifying session, the majority of people believed that the race would be more of a Red Bull procession. Some suggested that the RB9 would share a dominance similar to that of the RB7, however, the outcome was very different. Kimi Raikkonen came from P7 on the grid to claim the first win of 2013, with Fernando Alonso finishing 12 seconds behind. Despite the hype, Sebastian Vettel could only manage P3, while Mark Webber's Melbourne curse continued.
While the Australian GP is famous for its unpredictability, the events of today have shocked the entire paddock. Red Bull realized that their race pace was not quite as good as their qualifying pace, however, no-one expected such a vast turn around. Lotus used their tyre preservation advantage to gain a march on the field. Excellent strategy, coupled with sublime driving meant that it was Lotus' day down under.

Brazilian Grand Prix: Race Analysis

Sebastian Vettel has today joined the exclusive club of triple world champions, taking the 2012 title in spectacular, and dramatic circumstances. Fernando Alonso performed admirably, climbing to 2nd, while Jenson Button ended the season in the fashion with which he started it, taking the victory. It was a race, which many have described, as one of the best ever.
An unbelievable season ended with a spectacular 71 laps, which had everyone on the edge of their seats. Drama, controversy, accident, this race had everything. Jenson Button's victory will be one which many will fail to remember, and was one which may well have fallen to his teammate, before an unfortunate collision with Hulkenburg, saw the Brit retire. Nico had driven an immense race, where he was able to keep pace with the McLaren's and at times, exceed that. After he and Button remained on the slicks well into the race, they managed to construct a 40 second lead, prior to the first safety car. Subsequently, Hamilton returned to the fight, and took the lead after Nico made a rare error. This was then followed by a more costly one.
Hulkenburg attempted the overtake into turn 1, which required him to move onto the damp line. Kovalainen ahead, meant that the Force India had nowhere to go, and a resultant snap of oversteer meant that he collided with Hamilton, breaking the McLaren's left frond suspension, and pull rods. It was game over for Lewis, in his final race for McLaren. A disappointing end to what has been one of Lewis' greatest seasons. Hulkenburg eventually recovered to 5th, after his car miraculously survived the accident unscathed. The German received a drive through penalty for the incident, which was perhaps slightly harsh. The team later suggested that the Caterham blocked Nico's escape route, which he would have otherwise taken in order to avoid the collision. The path was then cleared for Button to claim a 'simple' victory, and his third of a difficult 2012. An excellent way to enter 2013, the season when he becomes McLaren team leader.
As a result of the incident, Fernando momentarily found himself in a position, sufficient for taking the title. Sebastian was still in the process of recovering after a dreadful lap 1 crash almost saw his championship hopes go up in smoke. Vettel was ironically closed down by Mark Webber into turn 1, meaning that he was forced to liftoff throttle much early, to make the tight apex. As he tuned into 4, Bruno Senna was at the apex of the corner, and Vettel failed to acknowledge this. Subsequently, he spun and collected Bruno Senna and Sergio Perez. Incredibly, whilst the Sauber and Williams suffered terminal damage, the Red Bull escaped relatively in-tact. Some minor floor damage meant that drag was increased, yet other then that, Vettel's car survived the tribulations of lap 1. This was in part, a result of incredible precision and skill sown by Sebastian. When spun, he reversed down the hill instinctively to aid the oncoming cars in avoiding his stricken RB8. Watching the traffic, he was still able to think rationally and committed to a move which may have saved his season.
The moment defined Vettel's race. In circumstances when the German may have cracked, he maintained composure, and knew exactly what was needed to win. He was unfazed; whatever his fellow competitors threw at him, he emerged well. Even nature was unable to halt his recovery through the field. A race which may well have ended on lap 1, was saved by an incredible performance. Sebastian Vettel has proved his doubters wrong.
"It was an incredible race, everything that could have happened to make it more difficult for us today, happened!" said a clearly-exhausted Vettel, F1's ninth, and youngest, triple World Champion. "To win a third title, especially here where one of my heroes Ayrton Senna was from, it's difficult to put into words. I was crying in the car but my radio wasn't working, so I'm maybe happy for that!" 
Christian Horner had faced many issues during the race on the pit wall. The constant threat of rain had kept the engineers guessing, while midway through the race, Sebastian lost contact with his team after an issue with his microphone. Subsequently, when Vettel stopped, the team were unsure of the tyres that he required. The Intermediates were not ready at the time, and Vettel lost around 15 seconds. Fortunately, the communication issues did not hamper the team too much, yet it certainly added to the tension. "It was such an eventful start and Sebastian Vettel got turned around at the start," the Red Bull team boss told the BBC.
"Then the rain came and the radio stopped working and we couldn't really communicate with him. But he stuck at it and he has driven with such determination this year. Congratulations to Fernando Alonso too, he has been brilliant this year. That is what makes this Championship so worthy because he has been up against the best."
Further down the grid, Caterham were also the big winners from Sunday, having acheived 10th place in the constructors. The position was stolen from the clutches of Marussia, after Petrov passed Pic to claim the all important P12. The triumph has earned the team around $10 million, and may have saved Heikki Kovalainen's future in F1, due to the demand for driver sponsorship being less prominent at the team. Many would suggest that since Petrov secured the place for the team, the spare seat should be offered to him. Tony Fernandes will no doubt have the final say.
This however, will always be remembered as Vettel's day. He battled against all the obstacles which hampered his progress, and drove with maturity and determination. He was adamant that the 2012 title would be his, and let nothing stand in his path. His third title in as many years, means that he now has to be classed among the greats.

American Grand Prix: Race Analysis

Lewis Hamilton made it two out of two in the USA yesterday, after taking the win in the inaugural GP to be held at CotA, in Texas. The Brit has continued his 100% run in America after he took his second win of his career in 2007 at Indianapolis. Sebastian Vettel could only manage second, yet felt the win was snatched away from him by backmarker's blocking through the tricky sector 1 complex. Fernando Alonso finished third, taking the championship fight to Interlagos. However, Ferrari will come under fire for their unorthadox tactics, of moving Fernando onto the clean side of the grid. On the other hand, Ferrari are used to their share of controversy over the years.

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Race Analysis

Well, there is simply no other word to describe today' race, than classic. From start to finish, action was just around the corner, and the risky strategic maneuvers left everyone on the edge of their seat. Kimi Raikkonen profited from McLaren unreliability to claim a well deserved, first win of the season, ahead of a late charging, Fernando Alonso. After starting from the pit-lane, Sebastian Vettel managed an unbelievable driver through the field to claim third place. His race alone was filled with as much incident as any GP under the lights of the Yas Marina.

Indian Grand Prix: Race Analysis

Sebastian Vettel took another step towards the 2012 title yesterday, with an emphatic victory in the Indian Grand Prix, with championship rival, Fernando Alonso finishing almost 10 seconds adrift. The win now puts Vettel 13 points clear at the head of the championship. He remains the only person to ever win an Indian Grand Prix, following the heroics of 2011.

Korean Grand Prix: Race Analysis

Fernando Alonso has today, lost his grip on the championship, as Sebastian Vettel wins the Korean Grand Prix, to make it three wins in a row for the German, who keeps going from strength to strength. The RB8 is the fastest car in Formula One at the moment, and it would take a brave man to bet against Vettel claiming his third world championship in succession, after today's dominant performance.