Sebastian Vettel may insist that the title race is far from over, but Fernando Alonso is adamant this year’s battle for the Formula One title is a all but over.
Vettel’s fourth win in just five years at the Japanese Grand Prix provided him his 5th consecutive grand prix victory in the present campaign, something he has never achieved before.
Since the summer time break the 26-year-old German has been unstoppable, and with a 90-point lead over Alonso with 100 to play for, as far as the Spaniard is concerned the title is a done deal.
“Also if Sebastian retired from all four races, I would still have to win all of them,” stated Alonso, who completed fourth and 45 seconds behind Vettel on Sunday.
“So it’s just a matter of time before he will be champ. Meaning we have different objectives now.
“We will continue to attempt to do our best on Sundays Grand Prix, and whenever the title is settled we will congratulate him.”
Vettel is set to equal Alberto Ascari’s all-time F1 record of nine consecutive competition victories, set over the 1952 and 1953 periods.
Vettel is not using anything for given and instead basked in adoration from the Japanese fans, in stark comparison to the boos he got on the podium at Monza after the Italian Grand Prix, and in Singapore.
“As a result of the circuit, which I love, as well as the fans, this competition is one of the features of the 12 months,” stated Vettel.
“I’ve been really, very lucky to have a great car in the past, and once again this 12 months. Being in a position to win four times today is amazing.
“Once we leave the resort in the morning it’s the exact same for all of the motorists, the reception we get is completely unique.
“The people here are fanatical about Formula One. They actually admire us and love everything that we do.
“On Saturday I ran the circuit in the night and there had been 5,000 men and women in the grandstand simply watching on. They’re astonished by Formula One.
“That is just what makes this competition different and the victories here taste sweeter.
“So I would like to say thank you to all the fans because every time we come right here, the admiration as well as the respect, we get as F1 drivers is amazing.
“Concerning the championship, we have a very very good points buffer. It appears really great at this phase, but we will nonetheless keep pressing for victory. It’s not over until it’s over.”