German GP: Sebastian Vettel says Nurburgring win a huge relief

The triple world champion overcame Lewis Hamilton's polesitting Mercedes at the start to lead, but had to resist a late charge from Kimi Raikkonen's Lotus to win in front of home fans at the Nurburgring.

He said he was proud of his Red Bull team after a flat-out drive to victory by just one second.

German Grand Prix race report

"It's a great relief and a special day," Vettel said. "It will take a little while to sink in, but I'm incredibly proud today, the team did a fantastic job for strategy and pitstops.

"It was so difficult - I pushed every single lap but it's so tough when you are on the edge. You cannot go over the tyres too much because then you won't reach the end of the stint, and you have to get through traffic as quick as you can.

"The safety car [for Jules Bianchi's freewheeling Marussia] didn't help us and Lotus was incredibly quick today.

"They were taking care of the tyres a bit better and gave us a good run for our money, so I am happy it worked out."

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Vettel also complimented Pirelli for eliminating the rear tyre failures that blighted the previous race at Silverstone.

"They did a great job to bring a different rear tyre to this event and we didn't have any failures throughout the whole weekend, so compliments to them," Vettel added. "I hope it continues like that."