Fernando Alonso saw his dream smashed Sunday as the German Sebastian Vettel became the youngest World Champion in the history of Formula One in Abu Dhabi.

Alonso finished seventh and came out second, four points short. Despite being second, Sebastian Vettel enjoyed all media attention.

The 23-year-old Red Bull driver even gained the attention of German Chancellor Angela Merkel who said the 23-year-old demonstrated “the class of a true champion”. Spanish Prime Minister Zapatero has yet to weigh in with his comments.