Hamilton piles praise on Vettel in WHOLESOME.....read more

Hamilton piles praise on Vettel in WHOLESOME…..read more

Lewis Hamilton has made waves in the Formula 1 world this year with his decision to leave Mercedes after an impressive 12-year run with the team. In a surprising move, Hamilton announced he would be signing with Ferrari for the 2025 season, following in the footsteps of Sebastian Vettel, who raced for the Italian team from 2015 to 2020. The announcement sent shockwaves through the sporting world, as Hamilton had become synonymous with Mercedes, having helped the team dominate Formula 1 in the hybrid era.

During his time with Mercedes, Hamilton and team principal Toto Wolff created a partnership that is now considered one of the most successful in F1 history. Together, they secured 14 championships in both the drivers’ and constructors’ standings, with Hamilton himself winning seven World Drivers’ Championships, tying the all-time record held by Michael Schumacher. The pair’s collaboration cemented Mercedes as the most dominant team of the modern era, with Hamilton becoming a household name both on and off the track.

However, after years of unparalleled success, Hamilton’s final season with Mercedes in 2024 has been less than ideal, as the team struggled with performance issues. With the Silver Arrows failing to provide the competitive car Hamilton was accustomed to, the decision to leave the team for a new challenge at Ferrari seemed to be the right move for the British driver. But before embarking on his new adventure, Hamilton committed to a farewell tour, visiting key Mercedes locations such as Kuala Lumpur, Stuttgart, Brixworth, and Brackley, where he reflected on his remarkable journey with the team.

In one of his many farewell speeches, Hamilton took the opportunity to heap praise on Sebastian Vettel, a fellow driver with whom he had shared many intense battles on the track. In a video shared on the social media platform ‘X’, Hamilton spoke fondly of Vettel, acknowledging him not only as a great driver but also as an exceptional person. “He’s the best world champion that I know because he’s far more than a driver,” Hamilton stated, reflecting on their years of racing together.

Hamilton’s admiration for Vettel goes beyond their on-track rivalry. He highlighted Vettel’s work outside of Formula 1, particularly his advocacy for climate change awareness and his efforts to stand up for equality within the sport. Vettel, a four-time world champion, is known for using his platform to speak out on important global issues, something Hamilton deeply respects. “He’s someone with real passion, he’s empathetic and he cares for people,” Hamilton said, acknowledging Vettel’s contributions to causes that are often overlooked in the world of motorsport.

Vettel’s climate activism, in particular, has been one of his defining features since his time in F1. He has used his position as one of the sport’s most prominent figures to raise awareness about the environmental impact of racing and promote sustainable practices. In addition to his work on climate change, Vettel has been a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion within the sport, pushing for greater representation and equal opportunities for everyone in F1.

Hamilton also reflected on his personal experiences with Vettel, describing him as one of the few drivers who truly understands the importance of using one’s influence for good. “I’ve met so many celebrities and so many people, and there’s a lot of people that don’t take time for others,” Hamilton shared. “And I think for me, that makes me respect him even more. It doesn’t matter how good he drives, because he’s so quick anyways, but we had great races together, and I think for me, we had the best races together.”

The relationship between Hamilton and Vettel has always been one of mutual respect, despite their fierce competition on the track. Their rivalry during the height of Vettel’s time with Red Bull and Hamilton’s early years with Mercedes produced some of the most thrilling races in recent F1 history. But beyond the racing, both drivers have demonstrated a shared commitment to using their platform to make a difference in the world, whether it’s through environmental activism, social justice, or supporting charitable causes.

Hamilton’s words serve as a reminder of the camaraderie that exists between F1 drivers, even in the midst of intense competition. While their careers may take different paths, the respect they have for one another, both on and off the track, remains unwavering. As Hamilton prepares for his new chapter at Ferrari, it’s clear that his admiration for Vettel, and the legacy the German driver leaves behind, will continue to inspire him as he enters this new phase of his career.