Lewis Hamilton has lauded former F1 rival Sebastian Vettel as “the perfect world champion that I do know.”
Hamilton and Vettel competed for a number of years on the entrance of F1, producing some memorable battles.
Vettel emerged victorious of their early title duels, most notably in 2010, when each remained in competition heading into the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with Fernando Alonso and Mark Webber additionally concerned.
Their rivalry intensified in 2017 and 2018, with Hamilton and Vettel main Mercedes and Ferrari respectively.
Hamilton prevailed in each seasons, denying Vettel the chance to emulate his idol, Michael Schumacher, by bringing title success to the Scuderia.
Talking to a gaggle of followers as a part of his farewell tour in Malaysia, Hamilton mirrored on his F1 profession and defined why Vettel stands out.
“Seb is the perfect world champion that I do know as a result of he is excess of a driver,” he stated.
“He is somebody with actual ardour, he is empathetic, and he cares for individuals. He truly is the one different one which’s tried to utilise his platform for one thing good.
“I’ve met so many celebrities and so many individuals. There’s lots of people that do not take time for others.
“I feel, for me, that makes me… it does not matter how nicely he drives, he is so fast anyway. We had nice races collectively.
“However I feel, for me, we had the perfect races collectively.”
A drive for change off-track
Vettel’s downturn in type and subsequent transfer to F1’s midfield with Aston Martin prompted a shift in his focus.
The German turned more and more invested in points outdoors of F1.
On the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix, Vettel wore a rainbow t-shirt forward of the race to advertise LGBTQ+ rights.
This act was a results of Hungary’s proposal of a controversial legislation limiting faculties’ means to show about homosexuality and transgender points.
The previous Crimson Bull driver additionally turned vocal on environmental and sustainability points, areas of curiosity he has continued to champion since retiring from F1.
