Germany’s Sebastian Vettel
sobbed with joy after becoming Formula One’s youngest world champion on Sunday with a pole to flag victory in the season-
ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The 23-year-old Red Bull driver lapped up the pressure under the Yas Marina floodlights to chalk up his fifth win of the
season while Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso, the pre-race favourite for a third title, struggled home seventh.

Vettel, adding the drivers’ crown to the constructors’
championship won the previous weekend in Brazil, ended up with 256 points to Alonso ’s 252.

“Thank you boys, unbelievable,” gasped the German over the team radio, the tears flowing
behind the visor after he took the chequered flag.
Team principal Christian Horner spared him no emotion: “You are the world champion. Enjoy it. You are the man,” he bellowed from the pit wall.
“I love you,” said Vettel in reply.

Alonso, who was the overall
leader before the start, paid the price for an early pitstop that dropped him to 13th.