F1: Sebastian Vettel wins Brazilian GP, equals Michael Schumacher's record

Sebastian Vettel celebrates on the podium after winning the Brazilian Grand Prix

Rio de Janeiro, Nov 25 (IANS) Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel equalled Michael Schumacher’s record of 13 victories in a year at the season-ending Brazilian Formula 1 Grand Prix.

The 26-year-old, who clinched his fourth straight world championship title last month, also matched Alberto Ascari’s 60-year record of nine consecutive wins at the Interlagos circuit Sunday, Xinhua reported.

After being overtaken by Mercedes’ Nico Rosberg on the first lap, Vettel regained the lead in the second and held it until the end to secure his 39th career win.

His Red Bull teammate Mark Webber, competing for the last time in Formula 1, finished second, 10.4 seconds behind. Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso was third.

“At the end of the day, as I see it now, it’s just a number,” Vettel said.

“But hopefully one day, when I’ve got less hair and chubby, then it’s probably something nice to look back on,” he added.

Jenson Button gave McLaren their best finish of the season by finishing fourth while Rosberg finished fifth. McLaren’s Sergio Perez was sixth after starting 19th on the grid.

Webber, who won here in 2010 and 2012, was given a hearty ovation by the Red Bull pit crew, who held up a sign saying: “Awesome. Thank you Mark.” as he cross the line.

“It was a good finish to my career,” said the 37-year-old, who finished third in the drivers’ standings.

“It was a great journey. I’ll enjoy watching F1 next year,” Webber added.