Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel won a record eighth successive race when he triumphed in Sunday’s United States Grand Prix, with Red Bull teammate Mark Webber third.

The German beat Michael Schumacher’s previous record of seven wins in a row in the same season set in 2004.

It was Red Bull driver Vettel’s 38th career win.

France’s Romain Grosjean in a Lotus was second from retirement-bound Australian Webber who claimed his 40th career podium.

Britain’s Lewis Hamilton in a Mercedes came in fourth, ahead of Spaniard Fernando Alonso’s Ferrari and German Nico Hulkenberg.

Sergio Perez of Mexico, Finn Valtteri Bottas, Nico Rosberg of Germany and Briton Jenson Button rounded out the top 10.

Australian Daniel Ricciardo of Toro Rosso finished 11th.

Vettel’s win was not only his eighth in a row, but also his 12th of the season and the 38th in his short, but brilliant career of just 119 races.

It was also his first in America leaving only the Hungarian GP as a venue where he has yet to triumph.

“I am speechless, speechless,” said an emotional Vettel on the Red Bull team radio, as he celebrated with a series of car-spinning doughnuts.

“We have to remember these days, boys. There is no guarantee they will last. We must enjoy it. I love this team. I love you. I am so proud of you all.”

Starting from pole, the 26-year-old German controlled the race from lights to flag with a consummate demonstration of skill and speed at the wheel of his equally dominant Red Bull.

If he wins the year-ender in Brazil next Sunday, he will equal Schumacher’s 2004 record of 13 in a season with Ferrari.

It was in that series that Schumacher reeled off his then record of seven straight wins as he delivered his seventh and final drivers’ title.

That remains another statistical landmark for Vettel to pass.