Sebastian Vettel may have had a problem that allowed Mark Webber into the lead but the German insists his team-mate "deserved" the Brazilian GP win.
Vettel had been on course to cap a near perfect 2011 campaign with his 12th grand prix win on Sunday at the Interlagos circuit. However, early in the race his Red Bull team informed him that he had a gearbox issue.
And with the problem worsening to the point of being called "serious", the reigning World Champ was forced to relinquish his lead to his Australian team-mate.
Vettel, though, was able to nurse his car to the chequered flag, finishing second and well ahead of third-placed Jenson Button.
"It was a real shame as I had a good start and a very good feeling," said Vettel.
"Very early on I got the call to manage a gearbox problem. I had to turn down the engine and short-shift. It was getting worse through the race and I ended up having to use higher gears.
"But nevertheless Mark drove a fantastic race and he deserved to win.
"I don't like calling it bad luck. Surely if something like this happens, it is not in your hands
"I tried to stay as close as I could to Mark and keep the gap to (Fernando) Alonso and then Button at the end."
The 24-year-old added that he had little cause for complaint as win or lose in Brazil, he had a "phenomenal" season, winning 11 races, 14 pole positions and, of course, his second Drivers' Championship title.
"We had an amazing season and it would be over the top being upset now, so we take this second place," he said.
"I think we take this second place and the one-two finish for the team, which is great. It has been a phenomenal year and a very strong finish now as well.
"We are all looking forward to the break and coming back as strong as this year."
Related Links
Webber Claims A 'Serious' Brazil Win
