Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel have had the most “legendary” rivalry ever. When drivers were asked what was their favorite rivalry of all time in Formula 1, Lewis Hamilton confirmed it was his and Vettel’s rivalry he looked forward to the most. Although their rivalry started before Formula 1.
Their rivalry in Formula 2 was the trailer for their unfinished rivalry in Formula 1. Lewis Hamilton was driving for the second season and Vettel was a rookie when they battled for the F2 championship. Even though Lewis Hamilton won the Championship, it was the beginning for the young drivers.
When Lewis Hamilton moved to McLaren, he had made it halfway through the season when Sebastian Vettel was called to BMW Sauber. After winning a race with McLaren, he was convinced by Niki Lauda to join Mercedes. While Sebastian Vettel proved his worth for the Toro Rosso team. Soon enough they went on to compete with each other on the race tracks.
Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel gave each other the same level of challenge. By the end of Sebastian Vettel’s career, Lewis Hamilton became the reigning champion. But Sebastian Vettel shared the podium with the Brit multiple times. Vettel went on to become a four-time World Champion with Red Bull while Lewis Hamilton became a 7 time Champion of the World with Mercedes, equaling Michael Schumacher.
2010 had been the start of Vettel’s prime years. He moved to Red Bull after driving for their Junior sister team, Toro Rosso. He went on to win the Championship that season, breaking Hamilton’s record as he became the youngest driver to win a championship. After four world championship wins, he still managed to challenge Hamilton while in a Ferrari car.
What ignited the friendship between Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton?
Although they had a tough and healthy rivalry both on and off track, they found friendship in their battle. The two went on to become friends and their rivalry started subsiding as time passed on. The friendship started after a collision between them which angered the Brit. After going on a podcast, Vettel admitted his mistakes. The duo had a conversation about the collision which bought them closer.
The two who set foot in Formula 1 together and went on to continue their rivalry on the F1 tracks and cars soon became close friends. When Sebastian Vettel decided to retire from Formula 1, Lewis Hamilton even opened up about how Vettel had been a shoulder to lean on.
He also talked about how Vettel stood up for Hamilton when he became a victim of racism in the sport. Even years after their rivalry and sportsmanship, the two are frequently praising each other’s presence and importance in the sport.