A DELIGHTED Sebastian Vettel paid tribute to his team after Red Bull Racing overcame mechanical problems to secure a maiden victory at the rain-hit Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai.

The cars of both Vettel and team-mate Mark Webber suffered driveshaft problems in practice yesterday and as a result the team took a cautious approach in qualifying.

Vettel did just one lap in each session, but the 21-year-old made them count as he went fastest in Q3 to claim pole.

However, doubts remained over whether his car would survive the rigours of the race.

But Vettel once again proved his mettle in the rain as the German claimed his second grand prix win in conditions similar to those in which he took the chequered flag at Monza last year when driving for Toro Rosso.

"It was an enormous job from Red Bull and we are happy and very, very pleased," said Vettel.

"The car was fantastic, it is definitely necessary to mention the team did a really, really good job in preparing the car.

"It was an extremely good effort from the team to make the cars reliable after the problems yesterday."

Equally pleasing for the team was Webber's second-placed finish which secured a one-two for Red Bull, a result which emphatically ended Brawn GP's early-season dominance.

Webber enjoyed a thrilling tussle with Brawn driver Jenson Button in the latter stages of the race, but the Australian came out on top.

"The conditions were tough for the whole grand prix," said Webber, who has made a remarkable recovery from a broken leg suffered over the winter.

"It got a bit better in the middle and then a bit interesting at the end.

"It was a very tough race, but it is extremely rewarding to get this result and personally it is the best result of my career."

Button, meanwhile, conceded the better team won on the day.

The 29-year-old was denied a third successive victory as he finished third to extend his lead in the drivers championship to six points over team-mate Rubens Barrichello, who came home in fourth.

"I knew that the Red Bulls had very good pace," Button said. "They were very strong from the word go.

I am very thankful we were able to get to the end of the race with both cars, but it is great to get on the podium again."