Sebastian Vettel was grinning with pleasure in the sunshine on Sunday after claiming the 29th victory of his record-breaking career with Red Bull's first win at the Canadian Grand Prix.
Not even a chorus of boos from Ferrari fans in the crowd during the post-race podium ceremonies could dampen his good humour after he opened up a 36-points lead in the drivers world championship.
"It wasn't that bad -- not for us anyway!" he quipped. "The sun came out as well so it doesn't get any better.
"We had good races here before, but it didn't come together to win, then I lost it in the last lap two years ago which was my fault but I made up for that today."
Starting from his third consecutive pole position at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, the defending triple world champion came home in unchallenged fashion at the end of a serene showing of dominant driving from the front.
It was the 25-year-old German's third win this season and came in a time of one hour, 32 minutes and 9.143 seconds. He finished a luxurious 16.200 seconds clear of second-placed Fernando Alonso of Ferrari who fought from sixth on the grid to finish on the podium.
ewis Hamilton was third for Mercedes after racing at the front and leading for three laps. It was his third podium finish of the year in seven races with his new team.
"Yes! At last we have won in Canada," screamed a delighted Vettel.
Australian Mark Webber came fourth in the second Red Bull ahead of Monaco winner Nico Rosberg in the second Mercedes, Frenchman Jean-Eric Vergne of Toro Rosso -- who came home a best-ever sixth -- and Briton Paul Di Resta of Force India who finished seventh after starting from 17th.
"It was a great race and I had a great start which was important," added Vettel. "I just kept that gap throughout the race and at some points we were a full pit stop ahead of the others. Finally we got our first win here so it's off the list now and it was great to win."
Alonso said: "Yesterday we didn't have a good qualifying. I didn't get a fast lap and the conditions were not easy, but we knew the pace in dry conditions was good.
"We had high hopes. I was fighting top drivers and I had very good fights with Mark, Nico and Lewis at the end. It was not easy because they are super-talented.
"But I think second tastes of victory, because we scored some good points after a very difficult weekend."
Hamilton, who was seeking his fourth win in Canada on one of his favourite circuits, said his Mercedes car suffered minor damage in his thrilling late battle with Alonso.
"I think a small part of the wing came off it was really close, we had a great battle, he (Alonso) is a fair driver and had a great drive. We just have to keep pushing so we can get closer to these guys."
Felipe Massa finished eighth in the second Ferrari, after starting from 16th on the grid, ahead of Kimi Raikkonen of Lotus and Adrian Sutil in the second Force India.
Raikkonen's result meant he equalled German legend seven-time champion Michael Schumacher's record of 24 consecutive points finishes.
Vettel's win lifted him to 132 points at the top of this year's championship. Alonso is second on 96 and Raikkonen third with 88. Hamilton has 77 in fourth.
McLaren's long run of an unconfirmed 64 races in the points came to an end with Mexican Sergio Perez finishing 11th ahead of team-mate Jenson Button.
"We finished outside the points and we have a lot of work to do," said Button. "I have never been so pleased to get out of a car... We've got to get our act together and improve.
"Are we going to be quicker at Silverstone? Yes. We had parts here that didn't work on this circuit but will work at Silverstone. Soon we'll start to pick up more points. We'll not be on the podium but we'll get more points."
After Saturday's dramatic success in seeing Finnish rookie Valtteri Bottas qualify third on the grid, it was a disappointing day for the Williams team with the 23-year-old Nordic driver finishing 14th.
He had promised the team that if he had scored their first point or points of the season he would jump in the nearby 1976 Olympic Games rowing lake, but travelled home dry.
AFP
Sun Jun 09 2013
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.