Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel have dominated the world of Formula 1 for a very long time. So long, that it was kind of strange to see neither of them in the top 2 this year. And it is no common sight as ESPN recently reminded us this has happened for the first time in the last 16 years.

Lewis Hamilton gave a glimpse of what was to come in his very first season in Formula 1. The Brit finished 2nd in the world championship behind Kimi Raikkonen, beaten by just 1 point. The following year, he won his maiden driver’s championship title. Sebastian Vettel soon followed suit as he started his 4 consecutive title-winning run in 2010.

Fans react as the end of Lewis Hamilton-Sebastian Vettel dominance marks the end of an era

As Sebastian Vettel‘s title-winning run ended in 2013, Lewis Hamilton took the baton from him. After winning consecutive titles in 2014 and 2015, he continued his great run all the way until last year, winning 4 more titles. While Hamilton finished runner-up in the drivers’ standings last year, the dream run ended in 2022.

Marking the end of an era, ESPN posted a photo of the duo with the caption that read, “For the first time in 16 years, neither Seb or Lewis have finished in the top two of the World Championship. The end of an era.”

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The post induced an emotional response from fans as some believed Lewis Hamilton will soon gain his form back.

It was almost difficult to believe for some fans as a period of 16 years seems too long.

One particular fan was not a fan of the gloomy statistic.

One fan believed it could be the start of a new era with young drivers like Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.

Another fan found the stat miserable and suggested Mercedes cheat next year. Was the comment also a dig at Red Bull?

As the Hamilton-Vettel era comes to a close, one user suggested the sport should just stop existing.

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Another fan wanted the Lewis-Seb domination to continue forever.

Where do you stand on the end of the Hamilton-Vettel era? Will it mark the beginning of the era of new young drivers? Or will Sir Lewis Hamilton make a roaring comeback to take home his record-breaking 8th world title?