Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton are undoubtedly two of the greatest F1 drivers to grace the sport. With so many titles, race wins, and accolades under their belt, their on-track battles have been engaging to watch for the viewers.

The pair also holds a sense of admiration and mutual respect for each other. Vettel recently mentioned how their relationship became better after their incident in the Azerbaijan GP 2017.

The German driver has now revealed that Hamilton called him up after his Ferrari exit news became public and motivated him as the 2020 season carried on.

Had several reasons to congratulate Hamilton, said Sebastian Vettel

Speaking in an interview, Vettel said, “Yes. Lewis called me just after the bad news in the spring. We then had a few more conversations or wrote to each other.”

“He always cheered me up and motivated me to keep going. And I had several reasons to congratulate him on his great achievements.”

Formula One F1 – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel arrives at the Yas Marina Circuit Hamad I Mohammed/Pool via REUTERSConversations between drivers in the F1 paddock prior to and post races were commonplace in the past. But Vettel has said that due to the pandemic, such talks had to be ‘canceled’ as well.

“Lewis would often have had a reason to feel sorry for me (laughs). Because of Corona, the joint discussions in the paddock had to be canceled this season,” concluded Vettel on the subject. (all quotes translated via Google Translate)

Vettel also congratulated Hamilton on his seventh F1 title

There was a heart-warming moment when Vettel walked up to Hamilton after the 2020 Turkish GP. The 33-year-old German shook hands with Hamilton, as the latter soaked in the realization he had become world champion yet again.

Part of their good relationship is also down to similar qualities of being champion drivers. Both love to fight hard but fair, both are keen to never give up despite the adversities.

With Vettel’s move to Aston Martin next year, there is a chance for all of us to relish the on-track battle between Vettel and Hamilton.

As they find themselves together once again on the F1 grid next year, the mutual admiration will be fairly visible.