Lewis Hamilton has named Sebastian Vettel as the best world champion that he has come across in his illustrious Formula 1 career, Afrosport reports.
Hamilton and Vettel competed for several years producing some memorable battles such as in 2010 when they raced for Red Bull and McLaren respectively with Vettel clinching the first of four consecutive world championships.
Their rivalry intensified in 2017 and 2018, with Hamilton and Vettel leading Mercedes and Ferrari respectively, Hamilton prevailing on both occasions.
Speaking during his Mercedes farewell tour in Kuala Lumpur, Hamilton said Vettel stood out because of his passion for humanitarian causes, something the seven-time champion is equally passionate about.
“Seb is the best world champion that I know because he’s far more than a driver,” he stated.
“He’s someone with real passion, he’s empathetic, and he cares for people. He actually is the only other one that’s tried to utilise his platform for something good.
“I’ve met so many celebrities and so many people. There’s a lot of people that don’t take time for others.
“I think, for me, that makes me… it doesn’t matter how well he drives, he’s so quick anyway. We had great races together.
“But I think, for me, we had the best races together.”
Vettel retired from racing in 2022 after a difficult stint with Aston Martin and has since been active in promoting LGBT rights aa well environmental sustainability.
Hamilton meanwhile will be preparing for a blockbuster move to Ferrari next year when he turns 40.
