Lewis Hamilton secured his fourth Formula 1 championship title.
The 32-year-old has become Britain’s most successful F1 driver, moving one championship clear of Sir Jackie Stewart.
He joins Vettel and Frenchman Alain Prost on four world titles, behind only Michael Schumacher, the all-time record holder on seven, and Argentine Juan Manuel Fangio's five.
Hamilton clinched the title despite finishing 9th at the Mexican Grand Prix on Sunday, 29 October, after colliding with Sebastian Vettel.
The Mercedes driver suffered a puncture when he was hit by the German's Ferrari on the first lap, the incident also breaking Vettel's front wing.
Vettel made better progress back through the field than Hamilton, climbing up to fourth place, but he needed to finish second to keep the championship alive.