Vettel collects champion's trophy
Sebastian Vettel officially became the 2010 Formula 1 world champion last night, when he was presented with the championship trophy by FIA president Jean Todt at the governing body's annual prizegiving gala in Monaco
The 23-year-old German set a new record as F1's youngest-ever champion when he came from behind to snatch the title with victory in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Vettel had not led the points at all until the finale, when he jumped from third to first in the points as main rivals Fernando Alonso and Mark Webber slumped. McLaren drivers Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button had also been involved in a five-way battle that many ranked as F1's finest ever title contest.
"This is an amazing evening for me and for the Red Bull Racing team," said Vettel. "I'm thrilled to be here to collect the drivers' championship trophy, something I have dreamt of since I started racing.
"Winning the championship is unbelievable; it marks an incredible season for us, with many ups and downs. We kept believing in our team, in our car and enjoyed every race.
"I would really like to thank all the Red Bull Racing team and Renault Engines for their efforts and dedication in ensuring we had such an amazing car this year. I am extremely proud of the success we have achieved together."
Vettel's Red Bull Racing team also picked up its constructors' championship trophy at the gala, while Alonso and Webber received their prizes for finishing second and third in the standings.
As well as the F1 presentations, the FIA's other world champions were also officially crowned in Monaco. Sebastien Loeb collected his seventh consecutive World Rally champion's trophy, with his Citroen team taking manufacturers' honours. Yvan Muller and Chevrolet took the World Touring Car honours, while Michael Bartels and Andrea Bertolini received the first-ever GT1 World Championship.
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