Vettel’s strategic masterclass in Suzuka

The 4-time world champion had an impressive ninth in qualifying, but after a bump with Fernando Alonso into Turn 1 that pitched him into the gravel.

Vettel said after the race "Obviously, it was a shame that we only got half a race - but at least the people in the grandstands got to see some racing. We were waiting in the dry for the restart, but I imagine it must have been rather unpleasant to sit outside in the wet for a couple of hours. I got a very good start - but then I collided with another car at the first corner. I really could not see anything - I am not sure, maybe I aquaplaned, or I made a mistake - but I lost all the positions I had gained and ended up last."

After the race restart Vettel made a steady start. After couple of laps, he made the call to switch from full wets to inters. While he was putting fastest sector times it was sure everyone was going to pit soon. Vettel managed to undercut half of the grid while everyone pitted in the next laps.

"When the race restarted, we made a good decision to box immediately for Inters. It was a great stop, then I pushed like crazy and managed to undercut most of the field. It has been a dream weekend - for us to score eight points is a mega result. I feel sad to have driven my last race here, but it has been a wonderful weekend, and to all the fantastic Suzuka fans I can only say, ‘Thank you'."

Vettel managed to keep his pace ahead of Alonso and defend for 6th position. Losing a place to Vettel, Alonso made a late pit call and made a recovery drive through field while everyone committed to 1 stop. He managed to pass everyone but Vettel defended brilliantly in the last lap and the pair raced to the finish line.

Racing his last Japanese GP and a fantastic recovery, it was no doubt everyone chose Vettel as their driver of the day.