Vettel: You don’t win the title by luck

Sebastian Vettel has jumped to the defense of new World Champion Nico Rosberg, saying he didn’t win it by “luck.”

The Mercedes driver wrapped up his maiden World title at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix where a P2 on the day ensured he finished the season five points ahead of Lewis Hamilton.

Rosberg’s title has been questioned by some given that Hamilton lost numerous points as a result of reliability issues highlighted by the engine blow-out in Malaysia that robbed him of the race win.

Vettel, though, insists his compatriot “deserved” this year’s Drivers’ title.

“I think, in my point of view, you don’t win the championship by luck,” the Ferrari driver said in the wake of Sunday’s finale.

“Nico won the championship, he’s a deserved champion.

“You collect a lot of points throughout the season, sometimes you might have, yeah, fortunate situations, unfortunate situations with your car but I think there’s been other situations in the past with other drivers, that’s the way it goes.

“Sometimes you have better years in this regard, sometimes worse years but I think it is Nico’s day and it’s a sign of respect and greatness to give him that.

“I think we owe it to him, he’s a deserved champion.”