via Imago
Vettel, Hamilton and Alonso pose for their podium photos. Credits – FOTO STUDIO COLOMBO
via Imago
Vettel, Hamilton and Alonso pose for their podium photos. Credits – FOTO STUDIO COLOMBO
In a bombshell post, Sebastian Vettel announced his retirement from the sport at the end of the 2022 season. This means that there are only 2 drivers from the pre-turbo hybrid era on the current grid; Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso.
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The three have dominated the world of F1 for nearly 2 decades. In fact, it is insane to think that the 2022 season is the first season in 18 years that does not feature one of these three in the title fight.
2022 is the first time since 2004 that there has been a title fight in F1 that didn't involve one of these guys. They held F1 in a complete chokehold for 18 years. https://t.co/CLTJ3i0q6J
— Sidi Luís (@amal_shura) July 28, 2022
Fans even made the comparison with the big 3 of tennis, labeling them the big 3 of F1.
This era was absolutely insane. They were to F1 what the Big 3 were to tennis. An incredible storm of talent all at the same time. A larger than life struggle for greatness at the pinnacle of motorsport. All 3 are all-time greats. There will never again be anything like it. pic.twitter.com/SAvWIu5Jzp
— Sidi Luís (@amal_shura) July 28, 2022
The only drivers left from the class of 2008 will be Lewis and Fernando in 2023. The only drivers to have known tyres that weren't slick and weren't Pirellis, and knew the days of refueling and the 10-8-6 points system. The last of the lights are going out.
— Sidi Luís (@amal_shura) July 28, 2022
Well before I was into the sport, I had heard of Sebastian Vettel. To me himself, Hamilton, alonso were THE FACES of Formula 1 in the 21st century
The grid will never be the same without Sebastian Vettel. A hell of a driver, an incredible career. Enjoy retirement Seb! #Vettel pic.twitter.com/GFDRIEdmcA
— darragh (@Darragh_Scanlon) July 28, 2022
This trio will always be clear of any other trio in current F1 no matter what happens btw 👍 pic.twitter.com/47ZUlLlHtp
— ⁴⁴ (@LH44Tobey) July 28, 2022
We are simple people. When we see a tweet asking for Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso doing doughnuts at the end of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, we like it.
— Box Box Goss (@boxboxgossF1) July 29, 2022
W GOAT BEST TRIO OF ALL TIME pic.twitter.com/mLzL6LQ2WW
— Kazune 🧬 (@KazuneKZ_) July 28, 2022
HAS to be done pic.twitter.com/p3zWlQlsH2
— Centurion Lewis 👑 (@CenturionLewis) July 29, 2022
The last GP 2022
Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel pic.twitter.com/Uee7OSTB0W— Gondim⁴⁹ (@Gondim7_) July 29, 2022
F1 needs Vettel, Hamilton and Alonso to share the podium one last time pic.twitter.com/FnaUVmbtX4
— Max (not verstappen) (@EsotericWhales) July 28, 2022
Read More:37-Year-Old Lewis Hamilton Leaves F1 World Stunned With Sleek ‘Parkour’ Moves at Hungarian GP
Lewis Hamilton pays tribute to rival and friend Sebastian Vettel after the news of his retirement
Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel have shared the grid since 2007. They have gone head to head for the title on multiple occasions. Sadly, Vettel has decided to call it quits at the end of the 2022 season.
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via Getty
MONTREAL, QUEBEC – JUNE 08: Pole position qualifier Sebastian Vettel of Germany and Ferrari and second place qualifier Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP talk in parc ferme during qualifying for the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, Canada. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
The Briton took this chance to speak about his rival and friend Vettel. He wrote on Twitter, “Seb, it’s been an honour to call you a competitor and an ever greater honour to call you my friend.” He went on to write, “Leaving this sport better than you found it is always the goal. I have no doubt that whatever comes next for you will be exciting, meaningful, and rewarding. Love you, man.”
Watch This Story: Sebastian Vettel’s Hair Transformation Steals The Limelight
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The duo has given F1 fans one of the best rivalries to remember for the future. Hamilton so far has given no signs of slowing down and taking to the sidelines like his friend Vettel. Which rivalry do you think will be the next Vettel-Hamilton rivalry for the fans?
