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BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – AUGUST 01: Sebastian Vettel of Germany and Aston Martin embraces Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes AMG Petronas in parc ferme after the F1 Grand Prix of Hungary at Hungaroring on August 01, 2021 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Dan Istitene – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
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BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – AUGUST 01: Sebastian Vettel of Germany and Aston Martin embraces Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes AMG Petronas in parc ferme after the F1 Grand Prix of Hungary at Hungaroring on August 01, 2021 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Dan Istitene – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
11 world championships, 156 wins, and a further 310 podium finishes. These are the combined stats of Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton. The duo are not only two of the best drivers ever to grace F1; they are also very close friends. Hamilton and Vettel have also led the way for future drivers to raise their voices for important social issues.
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Their rivalry is one of the fiercest in Formula 1 history. However, they haven’t let their on-field racing clash with their off-field relationship. Competing at the highest level for the highest prize in motorsport can make it difficult to maintain an off-field relationship with your rivals.
Like many other rivals competing for the trophy, the duo has had its fair share of disagreements. However, their respect for each other exceeds the petty things. This is one of many reasons why they enjoy such a good relationship.
In a wholesome video shared on YouTube, Lewis Hamilton was seen riding his bike pre-race in the Japanese GP. He immediately went to fist-bump Sebastian and share a moment with the former Red Bull driver. The captured video made rounds on YouTube and TikTok.
READ MORE: WATCH: When Sebastian Vettel & Lewis Hamilton Picked Each Other as Answer to Intense F1 Question
Sebastian Vettel announced that he will retire at the end of the season. Lewis Hamilton shared a heartwarming post on his social media to pay tribute to one of the best F1 drivers of all time.
Lewis Hamilton pays tribute to the retiring Sebastian Vettel
They have fought multiple battles alongside each other in their time. From Red Bull to McLaren, Ferrari to Mercedes, they both have entertained the fans on plentiful occasions. The 7-time World Champion penned a fitting tribute to the retiring legend.
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MONTE-CARLO, MONACO – Top three finishers Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP, Sebastian Vettel of Germany and Ferrari and Valtteri Bottas of Finland and Mercedes GP stand on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
Hamilton wrote, “Seb, it’s been an honour to call you a competitor and an ever greater honour to call you my friend.”
The Mercedes driver further complimented the German for improving the sport. He added, “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.”
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WATCH THIS STORY: Lewis Hamilton Wins Prestigious Award for His 2021 F1 Season
It’s no secret that fans and rivals around the motorsport world will miss the elegance and charm of the 4-time World Champion. He leaves behind a legacy worth celebrating for a long time. What is your favorite Sebastian Vettel moment?
