Sebastian Vettel continued his sublime form with a virtuoso performance to win the Brazilian Grand Prix as Mark Webber clinched his 42nd F1 podium in his farewell race.

As rain loomed several times but mercifully held off in the closing laps, Vettel landed an unprecedented ninth consecutive win and his 13th victory of the season at Interlagos.

Mark Webber gallantly finished his F1 career in second place ahead of Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso.

Webber had driven the perfect race, including registering the fastest lap to finish his dignified 12-year F1 career on a high but behind the driver who has frustratingly prevented him from climbing to grand prix greatness.

Apart from a slip up with a tyre mix up in the pits, Vettel had the race in hand as rain threatened throughout the 71-lap race.

Webber managed to peel off his helmet on his cool-down lap, welcoming a penalty from the FIA, however it was his way of saying goodbye to the grand prix fraternity as his emotions bubbled to the surface.

“I enjoyed the last few laps. I wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for the support from some people early in my career. They know who they are so if they are watching thank you,” Webber said on the podium.

Nemesis Vettel gave Webber some kudos on the podium, prompting the Brazilian interviewer to wave the microphone at the Australian first.

Webber’s efforts allowed him to finish third in the Championship in a career which finished with nine wins and 13 podiums.

Jenson Button climbed from 15th on the grid to finish fourth, although it did not save McLaren from enduring a whole season without a podium finish for the first time since 1980.

Nico Rosberg finished fifth to supply Mercedes with second in the constructor’s Championship ahead of the second McLaren driver Sergio Perez who started from 19th after receiving a 5-spot grid penalty after a gearbox change.

Felipe Massa did a solid job in his last race for Ferrari in seventh ahead of Nico Hulkenberg, Lewis Hamilton and Daniel Ricciardo. Massa’s only blemish was when he crossed the pit entry line on a flying lap, receiving a drive-through penalty for the breach which left him fuming.

Hamilton, who had been running in fourth, was miffed at being handed a drive-through penalty for after colliding with Valtteri Bottas who was attempting to unlap himself.

In the last race of the V8 era, Vettel lost the lead from pole at the start as Rosberg and Alonso began sharply however Vettel regained the lead at the end of the opening lap.

See below for full race results

Final Championship standings