But while the 2008 world champion – who has been in a depressed mood at recent races following his split with girlfriend Nicole – won in Abu Dhabi, his McLaren teammate Jenson Button had arguably a bigger reason to smile.
Third placed Button, wearing a “Movember” moustache this weekend and without the use of KERS in the race, sealed the lid on the 2011 McLaren points battle as he can no longer be beaten in the standings by Hamilton.
Fittingly in F1′s quest for ultimate glory, the Briton said he was “relatively happy”.
Indeed, with the real title battle over, it was the fact Hamilton began to put his personal “bubble” back together rather than the actual race win that had him so happy this weekend.
“This weekend I feel fresh and I have a clear mind. Racing is a mental thing and, if you think you are ready, then you can move forward,” he said earlier.
Not going forward on Sunday was Red Bull’s Vettel, whose bad day started when he discovered that one of his heroes – Paul McCartney – had left Yas Marina before he could meet the former Beatle.
Then, from the front of the field on the opening lap, he suffered a rare retirement.
“We need to find out why, maybe I cut the kerb at a funny angle,” said the German, after the flailing tyre from the surprise puncture badly damaged the suspension on the way back to the pits.
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