Sebastian Vettel has paid tribute to his team after the German rounded off a spectacular season so far by claiming his second World Championship, becoming the youngest ever driver to do so in Formula 1 history.

Vettel required only a point from the Japanese Grand Prix, and the 24-year-old secured third place behind Button and Fernando Alonso to cue wild celebrations from the Red Bull garage.

Vettel was visibly moved as he thanked the efforts of his team, praising them for “pushing hard” throughout the season.

“It’s difficult where to start. It’s such a long year and a fantastic year and the good thing is it’s not over yet. Today’s race we weren’t as quick on the soft tyres and we lost two positions. It was difficult to get past Alonso and I don’t think he’s letting me through this way twice after Monza. To win the championship here is fantastic.

There are so many things you want to say but it’s hard to remember all of them. I’m so thankful to everyone in the team, pushing hard to build those two cars. It’s great to achieve the goal we set ourselves this year already now. One person that really stands out this year is the person I spend most of my time with my trainer Tommi Parmakoski.

He was the one not allowing me at any stage this year to start to think about things that were not in my control. It’s great to know that it is so tight but to know that we can come so strong out of it. This year we’ve always been this one step ahead. It’s down to people like Tommi and individuals who keep us on the right track.” He added.

• Get all the post race reaction here

The double world champion didn’t have it all his own way through the race, and was investigated by the race stewards after he forced race winner Jenson Button onto the grass off the line, prompting the McLaren man to comment over his team radio: “He’s got to get a penalty for that, hasn’t he?”

Later the 2009 Champion said to Vettel after the race “didn’t you see me at the start?” only for the German to respond: “you were behind”.

Button the retaliated: “Come, on – halfway alongside. OK, that’s how we’re racing then.”

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Check out our special gallery for pictures of the men Vettel has joined in being crowned champion at the Japanese Grand Prix .

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