Red Bull Gives Alonso Wings - Media

Fernando Alonso could become world champion in a year dominated “da capo al fine” by Red Bull Racing. Given the incredible domination displayed by the Austrian team this season, one may wonder how come the favorite for the world title with one race to go is not a driver from Red Bull's back yard, but Ferrari-an Alonso.

And the answer is quite simple, if we are to consider the team's strategy this season. Since Webber has been leading the classification for some time – until the Korean GP, that is – yet it's clear for everyone (unless some of us are blind) that Red Bull favors Sebastian Vettel, the Austrians have done anything possible to let both drivers race freely, hoping that the German would somehow pass his teammate in the standings.

Due to several mistakes and countless reliability issues, Vettel failed to do that, yet Red Bull continued to show equality between drivers, instead of focusing on Webber. And what happened in Brazil is a clear proof of that, as Vettel was allowed by his team to win the race, despite the fact that a win from Webber would have been much more easy to work with during the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

The international media reacted to Red Bull's strange strategy in Brazil, with the title “Red Bull gives (Fernando) Alonso wings” from Der Spiegel saying it all. Thanks to Vettel's win over Webber, Alonso doesn't need to win in Abu Dhabi, but only settle for 2nd place in order to become new world champion.

“It is not easy for Webber to drive in a team that considers him a burden to be up against Vettel,” also noted Italians La Gazzetta dello Sport, while Tuttosport said “the Austrian team would be happier to lose than to see Webber beat Vettel.”

Additionally, Joan Villadelprat wrote in his El Pais column: “Had Red Bull opted for Webber a few races ago, the Australian would probably now be champion.”

Inside the paddock, all the drivers seems to favor Webber for the overall win in the title fight, as many wonder whether Red Bull would have done the same thing for him as they now do for Vettel. Considered one of the last gentlemen racers standing in F1, the Australian enjoys the support of his paddock mates, especially Rubens Barrichello and Lewis Hamilton.

“I'm always in favour of leaving the fight on the track with equal chances for both sides. But I wonder if they would do that if the situation was in reverse,” said Barrichello.

“Mark has done a great job this year and he has been told by his team what position he is in. Against adversity he has kept at it. I want to see Mark win,” added Hamilton.