Sebastian Vettel got off to sluggish start - at least for the two-time champion - to the 2012 season.

Since, though, he has more than made up for it. Vettel hit a hot streak late in the year, winning four consecutive races to take the series' points lead.

He entered the season finale with a 13-point lead over Fernando Alonso and held on to win his third consecutive Formula One championship. Take a look at his road to the title.

Vettel, 25, made history in 2012. After a season-long rally, he made history by becoming the first driver since Michael Schumacher (2002-2004) to win three consecutive Formula One titles. He entered the season finale needing a top run to snare the title, and finished sixth to do so.

Vettel shows his intensity as he prepares for a practice this season. Vettel has been fast in practices throughout the second half of the year.

Vettel may have entered the season as the series two-time defending champion, but throughou the season he has kept the attention on his attempt to extend that run at the top. For a while it seemed to be seriously in danger - but not anymore.

The Red Bull Racing program has been solid in recent months. Mark Webber is currently fifth in the standings and the organization recently clinched the constructors' championship.

Vettel (second from right) regularly tours the track prior to taking his practice laps.

Vettel waited until September to really hit his stride. At that point, he topped the field in the Singapore Grand Prix - sparking a series of stellar runs that vaulted him back into the heart of the title race.

Vettel, after winning the Japanese Grand Prix for his second consecutive victory, celebrated by pouring champagne over third-place finisher Kamui Kobayashi.

Vettel suddenly showed that the third title was far from out of his reach as he continued to dominate the field. He won the Korean Grand Prix for his third consecutive race, putting Fernando Alonso back into a battle for the lead.

Vettel celebrated on the podium after winning the India Grand Prix at the Buddh International Circuit in Noida. Although Fernando Alonso finished second, with his fourth consecutive win - and fifth of the year - Vettel was suddenly the man to watch as October neared a close. 

Vettel continued to romp past his competitors in qualifying for the US Grand Prix, taking the pole position as the series returned to America.

Vettel finished second in the US Grand Prix to set up the title battle in the season finale. He entered Sunday's race 13 points ahead of Fernando Alonso - and with a comfortable shot at snaring his third title.

Vettel celebrates his third consecutive title in Brazil. The driver finished sixth in the race to claim the championship once more.