Champion Vettel has to retire for the first time in F1 season

Nov 13, 2011, 13:23 GMT

Abu Dhabi - World champions Sebastian Vettel suffered a puncture in the opening seconds of the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix and was forced to retire for the first time in the season.

The pole-sitter Vettel won the start but lost control over his Red Bull going into turn two. The car spun off the track with a right rear puncture and Vettel was forced to retire because of damage to the whole wheel after limping home to the pits.

Television replays showed the German drove over a curb after the first turn of the race, but it was not clear immediately whether that contributed to the puncture.

It was Vettel's first retirement of the season in the 18th race. His last retirement was at the Korean GP 2010 when the engine failed.

Vettel assured himself of back-to-back world titles three races ago in Japan. He won 12 season races and finished no worse than fourth in 2011 until Sunday's mishap.

With only the Brazilian GP left in the season, Vettel can no longer match Michael Schumacher's record 14 wins in a season, achieved in 2004.

Read more about Vettel