Sebastian Vettel's 2012 Formula 1 season in quotes

But after a relatively straightforward campaign in 2011, this year was far tougher for the German.

It wasn't until the final seven races of the season that he hit consistent form, beating Fernando Alonso to the title by just three points.

Sebastian Vettel: 2012 in quotes

"There's not a fundamental problem with the car. The car is very nervous and it is moving a lot. The problem that we have at this stage is that the balance of the car doesn't seem to be as good as it was last year."

Revealing the source of his early-season up-and-down form

Pouring cold water on the persistent Vettel-to-Ferrari rumours

"It was then a question of when, rather than where, and I tried to outbrake him. He opened the brake again and then was up the inside; I wasn't sure where he was, I couldn't see him in that moment, so decided to give enough space and went off line on the slippery paint and I was able to stay ahead and get past him. The only intention was not to crash and to give him enough room. I have respect for him and I didn't want to squeeze him."

Explaining the pass on Jenson Button at Hockenheim that led to a post-race penalty

"I think there was more of a fuss in writing and talking than in the mapping in the car."

Downplaying the effect on Red Bull of post-Hockenheim engine map regulation changes

"I'd be keen to try the 1993 [Williams] because it was a car that was quite dominant and allowed him to win his fourth world championship. That was a car that was ahead of its time."

Revealing which of Alain Prost's F1 cars he'd like to try after the French legend sampled a 2010 Red Bull

Celebrating over the radio after coming from the pits to third in Abu Dhabi

"Unbelievable. I have seen it all in Formula 1 with these stupid overtakes... it was Karthikeyan's fault."

Venting his frustration at the DRS and Narain Karthikeyan over the radio after being passed by Lewis Hamilton in America

"How that exhaust survived, how Adrian [Newey] managed to cover it is unbelievable."

Expressing his amazement that his car held together after the clash with Bruno Senna in Brazil

"It's difficult to find the right words. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think there are only two guys who have done that before. Obviously you need to be in the right place at the right time but I also believe that you can create your own luck and work for what is coming up. I think that one of the great things about Formula 1 is that you can not necessarily compare only yourself but you can compare your time, your era if you like to ten, 20, 30, 40 years ago."

Coming to terms with being a triple world champion

"To be honest, I never wasted one single thought that an irregularity was involved from my side. Even if it was an eventful race I definitely saw all the flags - and their colours!"

Ignoring the post-Brazil furore about spurious yellow flag infringements