A touch of class from Vettel to Hamilton

Mark Scott
Sebastian Vettel Lewis Hamilton

Newly-crowned six-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton has received plenty of tributes for his latest title win, but none were more classy than Sebastian Vettel. 

Vettel was the first retirement of the United States Grand Prix following a broken rear suspension on Lap 8, but still took it upon himself to head to the cool-down room after the race to be one of the first to congratulate his racing rival over the years.

Speaking of rivals, a certain Nico Rosberg also praised his old team-mate and said that his class shone through as he finished P2 in Austin – more than enough to add World title number six to the trophy cabinet.

“A big congratulations to Lewis,” Rosberg said via Sky Sports F1.

“We saw all of Lewis’ class out there today. He took the strategy into his own hands and maybe did a better strategy than the team was recommending him and almost got that win.

“It was a phenomenal attempt to try and get that win. He really did fantastically, lost out a little bit to Valtteri but a completely deserved sixth title in amazing fashion.”

Meanwhile, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff declared himself very proud after watching the Silver Arrows clinch a historic World Championship double.

He said: “I’m very proud. I’m very proud for everybody who collaborated in the factories – there is a massive amount of work behind the scenes.

“When it ends up like this, one driver wins, the other wins the championship, the script cannot be any better.”

Watching on from the garage was Lewis Hamilton’s father, Anthony, who has been with him every step of the way throughout his son’s glittering career.

“An unbelievable win, six world championships, who would ever have dreamed it,” he also told Sky Sports F1.

“We didn’t really talk much about the championship. It’s always about doing well at the next race.

“You’re only as good as your last race to a degree, the focus is always to win if you possibly can, and when the opportunity like this comes around to win the world championship, you have to think about your game a little bit more.

“I’m sure he was managing those tyres as best he possibly could. It wasn’t enough. I’m glad for Valtteri as he had pole, got the win and we’ve come from fifth to second.

“Lewis has pulled together a really good team of friends. All the major players in the family are here as well.

“Six means the world to him. This feels like 2007, the first opportunity we had to win the world championship.”

Red Bull boss Christian Horner also hailed Hamilton for his incredible record.

He said: “That achievement is nothing short of outstanding. To have achieved six world championships is a phenomenal effort across 13 seasons.

“An incredible score rate. A British world champion so it is great to see him achieve that sixth title.

“I hope we can challenge him more before he gets his seventh.”

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