• Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Vettel a deserving champion - Horner

Christian Horner celebrates with Sebastian Vettel © Sutton Images

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• Race:
• Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

• Championship:
• FIA Formula One World Championship

• Drivers:
• Sebastian Vettel

• Teams:
• Red Bull

Christian Horner said that Sebastian Vettel was a 'very deserving world champion' after he saw his driver win the title in style by winning the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Victory for Vettel meant that red Bull clinched the double of drivers' and constructors' titles as rivals Ferrari wilted under the pressure, an early pit stop gamble for Fernando Alonso failing to pay off.

"It's an unbelievable outcome," said Horner. "The first time Sebastian has led the Championship is at the last race of the year, but arguably that's the only time you need to lead it. He's stuck with it though this year, he's had some tough times and he's had his issues with reliability here and there, but he's never lost his focus. He's the youngest ever Formula One world champion and a very deserving world champion. It's down to what he's done on the circuit and the whole team is hugely proud of what he's achieved today."

Horner also acknowledged the efforts of Mark Webber this season, the Australian also in with a chance of winning the drivers' title on the final day and helping Red Bull win the constructors' title.

"We mustn't forget Mark in all this and what an incredible job he's done this year. He's driven superbly well, he's won four grand prix victories and has taken the Championship to the final race. It could have gone to either one of them this year and it's a great privilege to have these two guys in our team.

"But today belongs to Sebastian Vettel and it's fantastic to have Mr Mateschitz here to witness our first Drivers' World Championship. It's been a very big and emotional week for the team and I'd like to thank every single member, all our suppliers, everyone at Red Bull and Dietrich Mateschitz for his unfaltering support. It's been a very, very big week."

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