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Lewis Hamilton Makes 20 Year Promise to Sebastian Vettel, Who Joins Elite Club Open to “Very Few”

Published 12/01/2022, 11:30 AM EST

The rivalry between Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton is one for the ages. They’ve battled hard on the track, and sometimes tempers flew. That being said, as they matured, the relationship they shared as competitors also grew. Now that Vettel has retired, Hamilton has shared a different side to their rivalry and relationship.

Sebastian Vettel is no longer a Formula 1 driver. What a career he’s had though. Some of his finest moments came when he was battling on track for Championship glory against Lewis Hamilton. However, for Hamilton, his relationship with Vettel has transcended the bounds of the F1 paddock.

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During an interview for Channel 4, the 7x Champion opened up about his friendship with the German. He said, “I’m grateful for the relationship I have with Seb. A man that really generally stands by his word, full of integrity and generally just very kind and humble.”

“He’s one of very few drivers in 20 years I’ll still be friends with.”

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Hamilton and Vettel haven’t always had the best of relationships, though. A prime example of this would be the falling out they had during the 2017 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. However, on the eve of Vettel’s last ever Grand Prix, he apologized and the duo seemingly buried that particular hatchet.

Sebastian Vettel apologizes to Lewis Hamilton for Baku 2017 incident

During the 2017 Azerbaijan GP, Hamilton supposedly brake-tested Vettel while behind the Safety Car. This irked the 4x Champion as he drove alongside the Brit and banged wheels with him. This created a huge furore in its aftermath. But on the eve of the 2022 Abu Dhabi GP, the duo finally cleared the air.

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In the Thursday press conference Vettel said, “I’m actually quite sorry, it’s your answer. I think Baku for me wasn’t a great moment, because what I did wasn’t right. But actually I think from that moment onwards…” But before Vettel could finish, Hamilton jumped in.

“Our friendship got better!”

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WATCH THIS STORY: Max Verstappen and Christian Horner slam Mercedes for trying to ‘take shine off’ F1 title win after Lewis Hamilton drama

Sebastian Vettel is still only 35. When Audi comes beckoning in 2026, will the German dust off his racing helmet for one last dance?

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Written by:

Anirban Aly Mandal is a Formula 1 Author at EssentiallySports. In his pursuit for a Bachelor's degree in Law from Symbiosis Law School, he has written multiple academic papers centered around the domain of motorsports. Not only that, but due to his love for F1, he aims to work as a legal advisor in the most prestigious racing series in the world some day.

Lewis Hamilton Makes 20 Year Promise to Sebastian Vettel, Who Joins Elite Club Open to “Very Few”

Sebastian Vettel apologizes to Lewis Hamilton for Baku 2017 incident

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