‘Multi 21, Seb!’ – David Tremayne looks back at Malaysia 2013, the day Vettel and Webber’s cold war turned hot


Eleven years ago the 2013 Malaysian Grand Prix should have been a celebration of a timely one-two for Red Bull. It catapulted the team from Milton Keynes to the top of both the drivers’ and constructors’ World Championships – ahead of Kimi Raikkonen and Ferrari – and brought the victorious Sebastian Vettel level with Sir Jackie Stewart’s tally of 27 Grand Prix victories.
But instead it was a public relations grenade for the team and a very hollow win for the German, whose controversial tactics exposed his ruthless desire to win at all costs – and tore apart the fragile truce that had existed between him and second-placed team mate Mark Webber since 2010.

Unlock exclusive F1 content and more with F1 Unlocked. Totally free.
Membership gets you closer with:
Curated insider content
Live like an F1 insider with exclusive access and VIP experiences
Member benefits, rewards and offers
Next Up
Related Articles
UnlockedVerstappen's dramatic first title win as he edged out Hamilton
Half Term Reports 2025How Sauber's 2025 season has played out so far
F1 FantasyWin £2000 in F1 Fantasy's Mid-season Masters Mini League
Ricciardo reveals how he earned ‘Honey Badger’ nickname
12 stats from a gripping 2025 season so far
Watch the drivers face Grill the Grid’s ‘spot the mistake’ challenge