"We've ended this year on a high - to get both of us onto the podium and to clinch runner-up spot in the constructors' world championship represent a great achievement for the whole Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team.
"I was able to match Sebastian's [Vettel] pace in the early part of the race - but, after my pitstop, I was stuck behind Robert [Kubica]. It was just impossible to get past him - he made no mistakes - so it wasn't possible to resume my attack on Sebastian. But that's the way motor racing goes sometimes.
"The team has been pushing so hard for the whole season - I'm so proud of everyone. Now, though, I'm already looking ahead to next year, when I hope our car will be even better, so that we can do battle at the very front from the first race of the season.
"There are 15 weeks to go until the 2011 season starts - it can't come soon enough!"
