Lewis Hamilton’s heartfelt tribute to Sebastian Vettel earlier than Mexico GP: "He stood by me"

Lewis Hamilton has referred to as four-time System 1 champion Sebastian Vettel the “most all-round driver” he is often known as he spoke concerning the pair’s ongoing relationship. Talking forward of the Mexico Grand Prix, Hamilton described his “wonderful relationship” along with his former rival-turned-friend.

In dialog with ESPN, the seven-time champion was complimentary of the German.

“I’ve an incredible relationship with Sebastian,” he stated. “For me, I believe out of all of the drivers that I’ve come throughout in my profession, he for me is essentially the most all-round driver.

“And after I speak about an all-round driver, I imply as a human being, you understand? Somebody that has empathy. Somebody that understands, that is tremendous, tremendous aggressive. However [can] put that apart. He understands individuals. He understands that there is a a lot greater image than simply us. And there is no ‘me, me, me’ with him. It is about bringing individuals collectively. And I like that he is utilising his platform.”

Since retiring from F1, Vettel has centered on environmental and social initiatives. He launched the Buzzin’ Nook in Suzuka in 2023, the place he helped construct 11 insect resorts to lift consciousness round biodiversity. He has additionally continued to push for using sustainable, carbon-neutral fuels in motorsport, which he used himself throughout his Goodwood Pageant of Pace runs in the identical 12 months.

“He stood by me by way of fairly an intense time,” the Ferrari driver continued. “And he is doing nice issues at the moment. And he is received a good looking household. And we keep in contact. And he helps me by way of my weekends. He sends me texts. And yeah, I am ceaselessly grateful for the connection.”

Sebastian Vettel, Aston Martin, Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes-AMG, George Russell, Mercedes-AMG, Max Verstappen, Crimson Bull Racing, Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, the opposite drivers stand on the grid previous to the beginning

Photograph by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Photographs

The 2 had been championship rivals on the peak of Mercedes’ competitors with Ferrari in 2017 and 2018. They had been fiercely aggressive however all the time maintained respect for one another. Vettel persistently shared in Hamilton’s combat towards racism and inequality with them each taking the knee forward of races, one thing that made the Briton “extremely proud.”

“I have been extremely happy with Sebastian for doing him,” Hamilton stated in 2021. “He is found issues that he is obsessed with and talking about them, and he isn’t shying away from it.

“With the older era, once we get to our age, we have now extra empathy. He is received a household, he is interested by the way forward for his children and the planet.

“He is clearly making an attempt to be a beacon of sunshine for these children and for the youngsters that assist him. We communicate usually, and we speak on these matters.”

Photographs from Mexican GP – Apply & Qualifying

Lando Norris, McLaren