German GP 2013: Game, Set And Championship Vettel?

While Andy Murray was busy writing his name in British sporting folklore, bossing the Wimbledon final (GET IN!!!), at the Nurburging Sebastian Vettel was also realising a life-long dream. For the first time in his distinguished career, he won his home grand prix.

Vettel's now extended his championship lead to 37 points, just a week after a shock DNF at Silverstone. He's romping home to championship number four. But does he deserve to? A few drivers might disagree after some quality efforts at the 'Ring today...

Image: Daily Telegraph

One of those is undoubtedly Kimi Raikkonen. Just like last week's Silverstone GP, he showed that F1 is at its best when drivers pit late, then rinse their new tyres in a last charge to the finish line. Sure, he had to get Romain 'Bro, Do You Even Lift' Grosjean ordered out of his way, but it was a valiant effort from the Iceman, who came so close to snatching away Vettel's dream home win.

Lewis Hamilton could've done that if he'd managed to get his Mercedes off the line, but it launched about as successfully as that Russian unmanned rocket this week. Which is to say, badly.

Image: Jalopnik

Props must go to Mark Webber for fighting his way back up from a lap down, to 7th after a disastrous pit stop on lap 9, when a rear tyre ejected from the Red Bull and speared down the pit lane, taking out unfortunate cameraman Paul Allen. Ouch.

Luckily, the Brit escaped from a scary situation with 'just' a broken collarbone and cracked ribs, but it could've been worse. Why is there no failsafe in F1 to stop cars with unseated wheels having first gear engaged? Seems like we're asking for trouble again... Meanwhile Red Bull have been fined €30k. Which is probably their budget for a race weekend's worth of wheel nuts...

Comedy points go to the Marussia team - they at last managed some on-screen time as Bianchi's fire-stricken car rolled away from the marshals, tractor and across the track on lap 24. You'll agree it's a fairly ridiculous sight in what's supposed to be the world's most technologically advanced sport.

Another weekend, another entertaining race, with a few safety concerns and funny moments thrown in for good measure. Fact is, it's all set aginst the backdrop of other drivers squabbling for points and petty victories while Seb Vettel gets the job done up front. I'm calling it here and now - he's the 2014 F1 Champion, no doubt. Dare you disagree?