7 World Championships, 77 fastest laps, Michael Schumacher finishes last race in 7th place in No. 7 Mercedes AMG Petronas car

The gripping 2012 Brazil GP finale race that saw Sebastian Vettel end his race in 6th place ensured that his 13 point lead coming into the race was enough for him to secure a 3rd F1 title. Despite Alonso’s determination and Massa’s sacrifice, Alonso’s 2nd place finish left him 3 points short in the run to this years F1 title. Filipe Massa’a race saw the emotional racer take to the podium on home ground. This was also the day Nico Hülkenberg almost came first, and eventually ejected Hamilton out of 1st place contention. He came in 5th or Force India, whereas Hamilton ended his McLaren F1 career with a broken car. It was also the day that Kimi Raikonnen almost got lost on a F1 track when at one point he found himself on the 70′s track. A brave U-turn and driving over non track areas saw him will his way back onto the track. Despite no points in the last race, Kimi has had a phenomenal comeback year with Lotus securing 3rd place on the points table.

21 year old Esttban Gutiérrez has been announced as Sauber F1 Team second race driver while he will be joined by Nico Hülkenberg (who replaces departing Sergio Perez) and Robin Frijns of Netherlands will be the team’s test and reserve driver. Outgoing driver Perez has signed a deal with McLaren following Lewis Hamilton’s decision to join Mercedes as Michael Schumacher bids adieu to his unmatched F1 career. He will partner with Nico Rosberg in the 2013 Mercedes AG Petronas lineup.

This new appointment of Hülkenberg from Force India onto the Sauber team is done by the Swiss team since Monisha Kaltenborn was appointed as F1’s first female team principal earlier in October this year. This also leaves a spot free in the Force India team being eyed by Bruno Senna, Jaime Alguersuari, Sebastien Buemi, Jules Bianchi, and Adrian Sutil among others.

Esttban Gutiérrez has been synonymous with racing ever since he began his career with karting. Later in 2007, he raced for Formula BMW USA finishing as runners up and in 2008 won a top spot in Formula BMW Europe. Joining Grand Prix 3 Series in 2010, Gutiérrez has five race wins to his credit while the 2012 GP2 seasons saw him receive three victories and finishing third in standings. Taking part in BMW Sauber F1 Team in 2009 and his most recent performance at Young Driver Days test at the Sauber C31 – Ferrari in Abu Dhabi earlier this month clinched his position as part of the Sauber F1 Team. Pairing with Nico Hülkenberg will obviously give him the boost and confidence which this young driver richly deserves.