Sunday 16 Oktober at 10:35 : Oct.16 (GMM) His run of poles ended in Korea, but the newly-crowned back-to-back world champion Sebastian Vettel on Sunday returned to the top step of the podium.

"Ten wins (in 2011) my friends!" the German said on the radio after greeting the chequered flag 12 seconds ahead of Lewis Hamilton, who was wearing a better mood than after securing pole 24 hours earlier.

"It was a good result for me after the races I've had lately," said the McLaren driver.

Sunday's result means Red Bull has clinched its second consecutive constructors' crown.

"I want to also say a lot of thanks to Renault; the engine this year has been faultless," said Vettel, on the day Red Bull announced the deepening of its sponsor deal with Japanese carmaker Infiniti, a sister marque.