Reigning world champion and 2012 Formula One series leader Sebastian Vettel insists he always felt a podium finish at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was achievable despite starting from pit lane.
The Red Bull driver was forced to start the race from pit lane after he was punished for not carrying enough fuel during qualifying to provide a sample afterwards.
However, Vettel pushed hard and remarkably finished third, with Kimi Raikkonen taking out the GP ahead of Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso, who closed to within 10 points of the German on the standings with two races to go.
“I had a fantastic race, the safety car helping here and there, and in the end there was a nice fight with Jenson, who was difficult to pass,” Vettel said.
“I expected to have a little easier time passing slower cars before, but I squeezed my way past. It was a thrilling grand prix, up and down all the time and it’s very nice to stand here and pick up a trophy.”
On whether he realistically felt he was a chance to make the top three, Vettel added: “Yes I did to be honest with you. After the first couple of laps that target was drifting a little bit away. I had a messy start.”
Jenson Button came in fourth, ahead of Pastor Maldonado and Kamui Kobayashi while both Mark Webber and Lewis Hamilton retired.