In winning the Singapore Grand Prix overnight Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull) did something he hasn’t been able to do this year: he led the race from start to finish. He was never troubled and while he has mathematically left the door open for the title to go elsewhere, it is now only Jenson Button (McLaren) who can upstage him.
Actually, the real likelihood is that Vettel’s already impressive 309pt tally and 124pt lead in the drivers’ championship will only be extended in the five remaining races. He will become the sport’s youngest ever dual world champion, never mind the added bonus of joining an elite club of drivers to go back to back. Atop the podium, you sense the gravity of his achievements are starting to sink in. It’s been a more mature and measured title assault from the 24-year-old this year, in more ways than one.
The only fight of any merit in 2011 has been the scrap over second place. Were it not for Vettel we’d be salivating over the prospect of having three divers separated by the same number of points (Button 185pts; Alonso, Ferrari 184pts; Webber, Red Bull, 182pts).
At Marina Bay it was the same three men who scrapped it out for the minor placings. Button able to stroll past a customary slow Webber off the line played piggy in the middle; Vettel comfortably ahead and a Webber–Alonso duel behind. The Australian entertaining the purist fan with two stellar moves to overtake Alonso either side of a pit stop undercut.
Another podium for Webber, then, and under any other circumstances we’d be applauding loudly from down under at seeing the Aussie flag among the final ceremonies. Yet, Vettel’s dominance rather makes Webber’s otherwise respectable efforts this year look feeble.
Strange as it may be, you feel we must focus our attention towards the back of the field to find Australia’s next great hope to Daniel Ricciardo (HRT). The young West Australian once again finished ahead of his more experienced teammate Tonio Liuzzi. Webber has paved the way, let’s hope Ricciardo can walk the walk.
Post-race comments from the first three can be read after the break.
[Pics: Red Bull/Getty Images]