Korean Grand Prix 2011 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Sebastian Vettel clinched his second consecutive World Championship with a commanding victory at the Korean Grand Prix, becoming the youngest double World Champion in Formula 1 history at just 24 years and 98 days old. The German driver's dominant performance at the Korea International Circuit sealed the title with three races remaining, capping one of the most one-sided championship campaigns ever witnessed and establishing himself among the sport's all-time greats.

Lewis Hamilton claimed pole position with a lap of 1:35.820, but Vettel - starting from second - produced a blistering start to seize the lead into Turn 1. From there, the Red Bull driver was untouchable, controlling the race with the authority of a champion and pulling away from the field. His pace was relentless, and he also set the fastest lap of 1:39.605, completing a perfect weekend that delivered the championship. The moment was emotional for Vettel and Red Bull, with team principal Christian Horner and designer Adrian Newey celebrating a triumph built on two years of dominant machinery and brilliant driving. Vettel's 11 victories from 16 races equaled the single-season record, while his 15 pole positions set a new benchmark that still stands.

Hamilton drove an excellent race to finish second, extracting maximum performance from the McLaren MP4-26 but unable to challenge Vettel's superior pace. Webber completed the podium in third place, ensuring Red Bull secured the Constructors' Championship alongside Vettel's drivers' crown. The Red Bull RB7 had proven virtually unbeatable throughout the season, with only three non-Vettel winners all year - Button (twice), Hamilton (twice), and Alonso (once). Vettel's championship victory at 24 made him the youngest double champion, breaking the record previously held by Fernando Alonso. The dominance was reminiscent of Michael Schumacher and Ferrari's early-2000s supremacy, establishing Vettel as the sport's new dominant force and raising questions about whether anyone could stop Red Bull's juggernaut in 2012.