The 25-year-old German, finished sixth at Interlagos, enough to lift him alongside legendary drivers Juan Manuel Fangio and Michael Schumacher as the sport's only three-time champions.

Ferrari's Fernando Alonso claimed second in the rain-affected Grand Prix at Interlagos to finish just three points behind Vettel in the drivers' standings.

McLaren's Jenson Button won the race, his third of the year, while Ferrari's Felipe Massa came in third in front of his home crowd.

"It's difficult to find words to describe how I feel, I'm still full of adrenaline," Vettel said. "It was an incredible race. When you roll at the beginning and see yourself going in the opposite direction, it's not the most comfortable feeling you can have."

"I was lucky not to be hit but the car was damaged and we lost a lot of speed. We didn't have enough pace. Luckily it began to rain. Obviously I was happy after 20 laps when I returned to the front group just behind Fernando (Alonso)."

Briton Lewis Hamilton, in his final Grand Prix with McLaren before joining Mercedes next year, failed to finish after a lap 55 collision with Nico Hulkenberg when he was leading.

Retiring seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher crossed the finish line seventh in his Mercedes.

Heavy rain in Sao Paulo caused havoc from the outset with Vettel slipping to last place in the first lap following a collision with Williams' Bruno Senna.

But he skillfully made his way back into the race, which finished under a safety car after Force India's Paul Di Resta slammed into the barriers on his penultimate lap.

Vettel's teammate Mark Webber, who finished the race in fourth, said Vettel had now entered unchartered territory.

"He's in a club on his own now," the Australian said. "It's very, very special to do it three times in a row.

"Last year was a little more straightforward, this year was a bit more difficult, as was 2010. I congratulate him, it's a great effort."

Alonso said Ferrari could be satisfied with its season, despite being eclipsed by Red Bull.

"I feel very proud of my team and of the season we have had," he said. "We have lost the championship now, but not here in Brazil, instead in some other other races.

"When you do do something 100 percent you have to happy and proud for the team, and we will try again next year."