Vettel hails Red Bull's mental toughness

Sebastian Vettel has hailed his Red Bull team after they pushed through their hangovers to help him to victory in Sunday's Korean GP

Having won the title last Sunday in Japan, it was celebration time for the double World Champion and his team. That, though, Vettel admits was probably not the best way to go into the second of the back-to-back grands prix.

The team endured a tough start to the weekend and even saw their run of pole positions, which had been 15 from 15 heading into Korea, come to an end.

But Red Bull and Vettel put that behind them with the 24-year-old taking the lead at the Yeongam circuit on the fourth corner of the opening lap.

From there it was all Vettel, who crossed the line to win with a 12 second advantage over Lewis Hamilton. Mark Webber's third place ensured the team also claimed the Constructors' title.

"I think it is good to see that the whole team keeps on pushing," said Vettel. "In terms of preparation it was not ideal because most of us were tipsy after Sunday night but we deserved that.

"But to come here and have a tough Friday and a tough Saturday morning, and to come back in qualifying and in the race was fantastic.

"It was so fun to drive. The car was getting quicker and quicker.

"It is fantastic, after last weekend the Drivers' Championship, this weekend the Constructors' Championship for the team. It is fantastic.

"I want to say a lot of thanks to Renault. They have been pushing so hard. The package is fantastic, so thank you very much. I am very, very happy today."

Speaking about his race, the German revealed he was surprised that the field only had to stop twice to change tyres as prior to the race he had predicted as many as four stops with the Pirellis.

"In the end we ended up stopping way less than we thought. We expected a bit more degradation, and eventually it came, but we delayed the first stop, and in the end you realise you don't have to stop three times.

"It was a very good race from that side. The tyres and tyre management were not easy, especially towards the end of the stint. I was able to gain on Lewis. I always wanted to stay clear of DRS with the headwind of Turn 2 to Turn 3.

"I was pushing hard. The tyres did not help in the second stint but they came back. It was crucial to control race from there."

Source: Planet-F1