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2 Years After Texting Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel Upholds Tradition With Similar Gesture to Max Verstappen Over Huge Feat

Published 08/27/2023, 8:45 AM EDT

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Gestures made off the racetrack in the fast-paced world of Formula 1 frequently captured the core of the sport’s camaraderie and mutual respect. Sebastian Vettel, a name associated with racing greatness, continued a pleasant tradition by repeating a gesture that he first made for Lewis Hamilton when the Mercedes maestro was on the verge of breaking the world record. However now continuing the pleasant custom, the 4-time champion has opted to side with Max Verstappen to break a huge feat. So what’s that?

It was back in 2020 when Sir Lewis Hamilton was cruising in his W11 to mark another win at the Portuguese Grand Prix when his frenemy Sebastian Vettel made a gesture that was soon going to make the headlines. Before the night of his record-breaking race, the seven-time champion was tied with the world record of Michael Schumacher race victories (91).

How has Sebastian Vettel upheld his custom with Max Verstappen

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Though competing in the same year with Ferrari Vettel was keen to text Lewis Hamilton before the action got underway in Portugal. In his sweet and humble message, the ex-Red Bull star wrote, “ I texted him before the race to get 92. He achieved that and congratulations to him for that. You can’t acknowledge that enough, even when people say it’s easy with that car, but you have to have this kind of consistency over the years to do this.”

In this new era, with a fresh face in full throttle, Sebastian Vettel continues his customary practice. As the saying goes, “Records are meant to be surpassed,” and it appears that Max Verstappen is on the cusp of breaking one soon. Last year, the Dutchman enjoyed a dominant phase, albeit not as supremely as the current year. In the ongoing season, he has clinched victory in 10 out of 12 races, an impressive feat with 8 consecutive triumphs. His extraordinary skill and impeccable driving have positioned him just shy of the esteemed German maestro which the racing legend hopes that Verstappen can surpass his own record of 9 consecutive wins.

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Seizing nine back-to-back Grand Prix victories from the 2013 Belgian Grand Prix to the 2013 Brazilian Grand Prix, Vettel etched his name into history. This remarkable achievement might soon be surpassed by Verstappen with the unwavering support of his team. However, just before the historic race for the Dutchman, an intriguing tweet caught attention. The two-time champion himself disclosed what Vettel had messaged him after he secured victory in 5 successive races.

As per @redbulletin’s tweet, Max said, “ I think after like 5 wins in a row or something like that, Seb texted me, you know ‘well done, what you’re doing at the moment, keep it up’ and something like ‘you’re going to do it’. Though Verstappen made it apparent his intention to break records.

The Dutchman hasn’t really been out of sight for the entire season since he’s been the clear leader, but what if the man in charge doesn’t get enough help from the stars? Who’s going to take his place?

Lewis Hamilton eager to take Max Verstappen’s spot

The Dutchman has managed to stay unbeatable thanks to his faultless driving and knack for racing in just about any situation. Numerous experts have referred him to as the grid’s difference maker. Verstappen’s position is being sought after by a group of drivers behind him, which prompts the question of who will replace him if Red Bull makes mistakes.

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As the summer break comes to a conclusion Hamilton desires the position that Max Verstappen has held since the start of the season. However, the seven-time champion is well aware that it is only feasible if Red Bull makes a mistake. However, he would prefer to assault and seize any opportunity.

USA Today via Reuters

As per GP Blog Hamilton said, “And of course, we know performance wise, we’re not gonna blitz these races, but maximizing points every weekend. I’m trying to prepare myself for when the car is ready to be able to challenge and beat Max. So I think at the moment, the only way we could probably do that currently is just to capitalize on any potential mistakes, which they don’t tend to make. But if they do, I’ll be there,”

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Do you believe Max Verstappen will easily tie Sebastian Vettel’s record, or will the Dutchman’s road be more difficult given the return of McLaren?

WATCH THIS STORY | Roger Federer Stands Strongly Behind Struggling Lewis Hamilton in Dire Times of Max Verstappen’s Dominance

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Written by:

Aditya Srivastava

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Aditya Srivastava is an F1 writer at EssentiallySports with over two years of writing experience. He developed a keen interest in the sport after the unforgettable Abu Dhabi 2021 race. As a graduate of a premier institute, Aditya is committed to producing high-quality content that is engaging, informative, and accurate.
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Edited by:

Aishwary Gaonkar