F1: Vettel OK With Second In Austin GP

Formula 1

F1: Vettel OK With Second In Austin GP

Sebastian Vettel is taking his runner-up finish at COTA in stride...

Adam Cooper | http://www.speedtv.com | Posted November 18, 2012 Austin, TX

Sebastian Vettel finished second on a mixed day for Red Bull. (Image: SPEED)

Sebastian Vettel insisted that he wasn’t disappointed to lose victory in Austin to Lewis Hamilton, despite losing seven points in his fight for the title with Fernando Alonso.

Vettel led for most of the race until Hamilton passed him on the 42nd lap.

“Obviously it was close between us. There wasn’t much between,” said Vettel. “I think very quickly we noticed that Lewis is the one we are racing. Obviously, for the rest, I don’t know what happened to Mark (Webber, teammate) – he was quite a while in third place. After that, obviously, there was a big gap down to the Ferraris, so it was clear that we were racing Lewis. Everything seemed to be in control.

“With traffic it’s quite difficult, depending where you get it on the track. Surely it didn’t work in my favor. Lewis was then close enough, after he tried many times before, to open his rear wing, and then down the back straight it was a bit of an invitation, really.

“It didn’t matter which side I would have picked; they were quick enough on the straight, and he took the lead fair enough. After that I tried to be as close as I could but, as he said, it was difficult to follow, difficult to get in range. So, bit of a shame to lose first place, but I think we did everything we could.”

Vettel said the Red Bull team’s third constructors’ title was a major boost.

“Fantastic job for the team today to seal the constructors’ championship against Ferrari who are now in second,” the German said. “I’m very happy with that, and the guys can be, for sure, very proud of themselves. I think we will have a drink tonight, enjoy the time here. All weekend has been incredible, I think, for all of us, for the whole Formula One paddock here.”

Regarding the upcoming Brazilian GP showdown, he said: “We've been very quick in Brazil the last couple of years, so plenty to look forward to. On top of that, we increased our lead in the championship today so I think we are in the best possible position.”

Adam Cooper notched up his 27th season as a racing journalist in 2011. He has written about F1 for SPEED.com since 2005. Follow him on Twitter.