Vettel wins in Abu Dhabi, but all eyes are on Button

Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber led home Red Bull one-two at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix yesterday, but all eyes were on Jenson Button in third, who was crowned world champion after the race. The pole sitter Lewis Hamilton had seemed untroubled in the lead for the first 20 laps, but retired with brake problems, allowing Vettel to take first spot, where he was never threatened.

All the action was going on behind him, where an intense dog-fight went on between Webber and Button for second spot over the last ten laps of the race. The Englishman could have had a quiet race, with the tile already in the bag, but put o display of attacking and daring driving that livened up an otherwise routine first GP at the Yas Marina circuit

"I came here to enjoy myself, and that's exactly what I did," said Button. "It feels good to have finished on the podium at the end of an exceptional year. The last laps were incredibly close but a fair fight. I enjoyed it a lot. It was a fun race. I thought I could pull it off, but Mark is always a difficult person to overtake. It was clean, but on the edge.

"Today has been a bonus after winning the championship in Brazil. A podium is a nice way to end the year," the Briton concluded, of the first Formula 1 race to be run at twilight. His compatriot - and possible future team-mate - Hamilton rued the failings that saw him miss out on a happy ending to what has been a difficult year for the previous world champion.

"I was locking and locking and locking it was harder than ever to drive the car," Hamilton told BBC Sport. "It's a shame as the car felt so good these last couple of days, but we haven't had many brake problems this year so there you go. But I still think the whole team should be really proud of how we have recovered this season."

The season ended, all attention will turn to the horse-trading between the teams as drivers are chosen for the various teams. Button is likely to reap the rewards of his excellent season by doubling his salary whatever team he ends up at.