2013 Indian Grand Prix

Lore & Background

The race, contested over 60 laps, was won by Sebastian Vettel, driving a Red Bull, after starting from pole position. Nico Rosberg finished second in a Mercedes, with Romain Grosjean behind in third driving for the Lotus team. By winning the race, Sebastian Vettel secured his fourth consecutive and last title, as Fernando Alonso could not catch up to Vettel in the championship with only three races remaining. Red Bull also clinched their fourth consecutive Constructors' Championship. This would be the last Formula One race at the Buddh International Circuit and the last Indian Grand Prix, as of the 2026 season.

In Their Own Story

The sun beat down on the dusty plains near New Delhi as the grid lined up, the roar of engines echoing off the grandstands. Sebastian Vettel sat in his Red Bull RB9, the blue and yellow livery gleaming under the Indian sky. He knew the championship was already his, but he also knew that winning this race would be the perfect period at the end of a sentence written over ten months of relentless dominance. As the lights went out, he didn't just drive; he performed.

Reader's Guide

Before the race, Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel led the Drivers' Championship with 297 points; Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso was second on 207 points. A maximum of 100 points were available in the remaining four races, which meant Alonso could still win the title. Vettel only needed a fifth place or higher to become Drivers' Champion, even if Alonso won. In the Constructors' Championship, Red Bull were leading on 445 points and Ferrari were second on 297 points, with Mercedes third on 287 points. Vettel won his tenth race of the season in a time of 1:31:12.187, at an average speed of 125.598 miles per hour (202.130 km/h). Vettel was crowned the 2013 Drivers' Championship as Alonso could not catch his points total with three races remaining. He became the fourth driver after Michael Schumacher, Juan Manuel Fangio and Alain Prost to have won four or more Drivers' Championships.

Did You Know?

• Vettel secured his fourth consecutive Drivers' Championship with this win.
• Red Bull clinched their fourth consecutive Constructors' Championship at this race.
• This was the last Formula One race at the Buddh International Circuit and the last Indian Grand Prix as of the 2026 season.
• Vettel won his tenth race of the 2013 season at this Grand Prix.