YOU could tell the end of a tense Formula One season had arrived as new world champion Jenson Button found himself at the humorous mercy of Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel.

Vettel had just made history by becoming the winner of F1’s first day-night race around Abu Dhabi’s astonishing Yas Marina circuit, even if the grand prix itself did not do justice to the £800m facilities.

The 22-year-old spearheaded Red Bull’s fourth one-two of the season with the fifth win of his career, with Button at least back on the podium for only the second time since early June in his Brawn GP.

As both championships had been decided a fortnight ago in Brazil, the pressure was off all the drivers.

That was clearly evident in a post-race press conference in which Button was ribbed about his personal future, and the possibility of wedding bells with Japanese-Argentinian lingerie model Jessica Michibata.

Aafter the most momentous day of his life in Sao Paulo, the expectation since has been for Button to follow up with another and pop the question to Miss Michibata.

Asked as to their plans for the winter, Vettel immediately started the light-hearted banter by stating: ‘‘Jenson’s getting married, we heard, so he’s busy.’’ Webber then wittily chipped in with: ‘‘And we’re all invited as well.’’ A blushing Button, refusing to rise his colleagues’ comments, said: ‘‘Next question!’’ Button then listened intently as Vettel and Webber proceeded to reel off a list of sponsorship commitments and personal details over the next few months.

‘‘Wow! That’s a lot. I have got nothing planned this winter,’’ said Button, who initially is in Beijing from Tuesday for three days for the Race of Champions with Vettel.

‘‘I’m then heading to Japan to spend time there with my girlfriend (and he emphasised the word ‘girlfriend’).

‘‘Then I’m going to have a few more days off and sort myself out, and start thinking about next year.

‘‘It’s amazing how early it starts. 2010 comes up on you in a flash, so I’ve got to sort myself out and focus on that.

‘‘I’m looking forward to the new challenge, for sure, but it can wait a couple of weeks.

‘‘Oh, and I’ve got my 30th birthday in January as well.

Thirty! Imagine that Sebastian!’’ The 22-year-old Vettel smiled and replied: ‘‘A long way to go!’’ As Button answered another question, he interrupted himself as he noticed Webber and Vettel having a private chat.

‘‘Excuse me guys I’m trying to talk. You might want to listen to this,’’ said Button.

Webber countered by saying: ‘‘We’re talking about your wedding day mate. We’re just trying to clear our schedule.’’ It was end-of-term, schoolboy stuff, but a flavour of how the tide has turned in the wake of Button’s moment of glory and the battle he faced with Vettel, Webber and teammate Rubens Barrichello.

Button can relax in part now, although he still has to decide where his future lies, which is almost certain to be with Brawn as it is widely anticipated Mercedes-Benz are due to shortly confirm they are taking a 75 per cent stake in the team.

The German manufacturing giants will remain partners with McLaren, who saw hopes of a victory fall by the wayside when Lewis Hamilton retired on lap 20.

Starting from the 17th pole of his career, Hamilton led for the opening 16 laps until the first round of pit stops, shortly after which he encountered a right-rear brake issue.

It was hardly the way for Hamilton to finish his year as world champion, a retirement that ended any hopes of a duel between two of F1’s brightest stars under the Middle Eastern night sky.

Vettel romped home in a primarily incident-free race that was only spiced up by Button’s pursuit of Webber in the final five laps.

The final lap is what F1 should be all about as Button endured a duel with Webber, the Australian taking the honours by just 0.6 seconds at the line. Barrichello was fourth.