Lewis Hamilton has described Sebastian Vettel as the closest friend he has ever had in the racing world, reflecting on a relationship that developed far beyond their intense Formula 1 rivalry. The Ferrari driver also praised the four-time world champion’s character and recalled the performance that first convinced him Sebastian Vettel had everything required to become an F1 champion.
During the later years of Sebastian Vettel’s Formula 1 career, the bond between the German and Lewis Hamilton became increasingly visible. Although they spent many seasons competing against each other at the highest level, they also found common ground away from the circuit, particularly through their support for human rights, LGBTQ+ inclusion and environmental causes — subjects on which relatively few Formula 1 drivers have chosen to speak publicly.
Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel built a friendship beyond their F1 rivalry
When Sebastian Vettel announced that he would retire from Formula 1 at the end of 2022, it was Lewis Hamilton who organised his farewell dinner. Their relationship remained important even after Vettel stepped away from the championship.
When Lewis Hamilton later decided to take on the challenge of joining Ferrari, the two discussed the move because of Sebastian Vettel’s own experience at Maranello. The German strongly advised Lewis Hamilton to learn Italian, advice that became particularly relevant as the seven-time world champion prepared to adapt to Ferrari’s culture and working environment. Hamilton’s efforts to integrate into the team have since included learning Italian as part of his Ferrari transition.
Lewis Hamilton calls Sebastian Vettel his closest friend in racing
Speaking in the ARD documentary Being Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton expressed enormous admiration and respect for his former rival.
“For me, he is the closest friend I have ever had in the racing world. Sebastian has never judged or condemned me,” the Ferrari driver explained.
The documentary appearance adds another personal dimension to a friendship that continued after their years of fighting for victories and championships. Lewis Hamilton is among the figures featured in the new Sebastian Vettel documentary, where he discusses the relationship they developed away from Formula 1 competition.
Lewis Hamilton remembers Sebastian Vettel’s breakthrough Monza victory
Lewis Hamilton’s admiration is not limited to Sebastian Vettel’s personality. The Briton also highlighted the German’s ability behind the wheel, choosing his famous 2008 victory at Monza with Toro Rosso as an example of the talent that would later make him a four-time Formula 1 world champion.
“In 2008 at Monza with Toro Rosso, he beat everyone with an inferior car. That showed he had everything required to become world champion,” Lewis Hamilton concluded.
That breakthrough victory came years before Sebastian Vettel’s spell at Ferrari, but the German’s subsequent experience at Maranello would later provide useful perspective when Lewis Hamilton considered his own move to the Scuderia. Vettel has continued to offer his former rival advice, including guidance surrounding Lewis Hamilton’s adjustment to Formula 1’s 2026 era.
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