The 2011 Korean Grand Prix (formally the 2011 Formula 1 Korean Grand Prix) was a Formula One motor race held on 16 October 2011 at the Korea International Circuit in Yeongam, South Jeolla, South Korea. It was the sixteenth round of the 2011 FIA Formula One World Championship and the second running of the Korean Grand Prix. The race marked the first event after Sebastian Vettel had already secured the 2011 World Drivers’ Championship. The race weekend featured practice sessions on 14–15 October and qualifying on 15 October.
Background[]
Coming into the Korean Grand Prix, Sebastian Vettel had clinched the 2011 Drivers’ Championship at the previous round in Japan, leaving the battle for runner-up positions between Jenson Button, Fernando Alonso, Mark Webber, and Lewis Hamilton. In the Constructors’ Championship, Red Bull Racing held a commanding lead and had the opportunity to secure the Constructors’ title with strong results in Korea.
Practice Overview[]
FP1[]
The first practice session took place under mixed conditions, with rain affecting running early on. Michael Schumacher set the fastest time in FP1, followed closely by Sebastian Vettel and Paul di Resta, while several drivers — including key championship contenders — logged limited laps due to weather disruptions.
FP2[]
In the second session, the track was dry and served as the primary dry-running opportunity. Lewis Hamilton topped the times for McLaren with a strong benchmark, with teammate Jenson Button second. Sebastian Vettel was third fastest, while Ferrari and other midfield runners completed the top ranks.
FP3[]
The final practice session saw Jenson Button lead the times for McLaren, with Lewis Hamilton close behind. Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa also posted competitive laps, while running conditions allowed teams to finalize race setups ahead of qualifying.
Practice Results[]
Qualifying[]
Q1[]
All cars took part in the first segment of qualifying, with drivers aiming to make the top 16 to progress. Notable eliminations included the back-of-the-grid runners and several midfield cars unable to set competitive times.
Q2[]
The second segment saw the battle for the final Q3 spots, with most frontrunners progressing comfortably. Ferrari, Mercedes, and Red Bull drivers set competitive laps to secure positions in the top ten shootout.
Q3[]
Lewis Hamilton ended Red Bull’s long string of pole positions by taking his first pole of the season with a 1:35.820 lap, ahead of Sebastian Vettel and Jenson Button. Mark Webber completed the top four.
Qualifying Results[]
Grid[]
Race[]
Report[]
Starting from second on the grid, Sebastian Vettel overtook pole-sitter Lewis Hamilton at Turn 4 on the opening lap and took the lead. Vettel controlled the race thereafter.
Hamilton held second place for much of the race but came under sustained pressure from Mark Webber, who ultimately took third. Behind them, Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso traded positions before finishing fourth and fifth respectively. The race saw strategic pit stops shaping the order through the middle stints, with tyres lasting longer than early predictions suggested. In achieving victory, Vettel also recorded the fastest lap on the final tour. The result secured Red Bull Racing the World Constructors’ Championship for the second consecutive year.
Results[]
Milestones[]
- Red Bull-Renault declared as the 2011 FIA Formula One World Championship for Constructors Championship.
- 20th win for Sebastian Vettel.[1]
- 25th win for Red Bull.[1]
- 140th win for Renault.[1]
- 700th Grand Prix for McLaren.[1]
Standings after race[]
Notes[]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 "16. South Korean 2011". STATS F1.com. https://www.statsf1.com/en/2011/coree-du-sud.aspx.
| V T E |  Korean Grand Prix
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|---|---|---|
| Circuits | Korea International Circuit (2010–2013) |  |
| Races | 2010 • 2011 • 2012 • 2013 |
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