Sebastian Vettel continues to write his name into the hsitory books, winning a record eighth-consecutive race at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, and making himself the first driver to do so in a single season.

Vettel captured the win from pole position, followed by an impressive drive by Romain Grosjean in the Lotus, who challenged the Red Bulls throughout the race. Vettel's teammate Mark Webber secured the final podium position in what was a typically strong race for the red, blue and yellow squad.

Previous race winner Lewis Hamilton was a bright spot for Mercedes-Benz, who had an otherwise disappointing weekend after the Britain qualified fifth and teammate Nico Rosberg finished back in ninth position. The German squad still managed to extend its points lead in third place in the constructors championship, ahead of Lotus.

Fernando Alonso's fifth place secured Ferrari's position for second in the constructors standings, while Felipe Massa took 12th.

There were a number of bright spots for young drivers throughout the field. Nico Hulkenberg piloted his Sauber to sixth place, while William's rookie Valterri Bottas managed to secure the first points for the team after finishing eighth. In the second-last of his races with McLaren, Sergio Perez also took his third-best position of 2013, finishing seventh for his 10th points finish of 2013.

After taking the win, the Vettel spun doughnuts once again at the hairpin into the long straight, and thanked his team over the radio, telling him to relish the moment before saying, "I love you."

A victory at the season finale in Brazil next week will tie the four-time, 26-year-old world champion with Michael Shumacher for most wins in a season (13), at an age when his German countryman and record title holder had only achieved two of his seven championships.

FINAL RESULTS