Hamilton and Vettel exchange helmets after the race

Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel have shown immense respect for each other throughout the season. The reigning five-time world champion has, on several occasions, praised the talent of his closest rival this year.

He paid tribute to him again after his victory in Abu Dhabi: « It was a true honor and privilege to race against Sebastian. I’ve known him since the F3 days, he’s an honest and hard-working driver who always pushes. Don’t dwell on our flaws, we always do our best. Sebastian will come back strong next year,” stated Hamilton after the race.

Sebastian Vettel, a good sport, knows he lost the championship to someone stronger this year and acknowledges it willingly: « He’s the champion, and he deserves it. Congratulations to Lewis and Mercedes, they were simply better than us this year. »

And as if to illustrate this mutual understanding and the great respect that binds them, the two men decided to exchange their helmets after the race in Abu Dhabi. A moment of sharing and exchange, not without humor, Lewis Hamilton joking about the small size of Sebastian Vettel’s helmet: “You have a small head! I’ll never be able to use it. You can wear mine.”

To which the German replied: « Well done, five championships is a huge achievement. I hope I’ll prevent you from winning more! But that’s the game. Now, leaving here, I’ll be able to disguise myself. »

Pure Lewis Hamilton, this exchange is one of the greatest marks of respect between drivers, which he compares to the exchange of jerseys between footballers: « It’s a way to honor everything a driver does, it’s the greatest sign of respect when you are a driver. A bit like the jerseys. »

The ultimate respect between racing drivers… 🤜🤛@LewisHamilton #Seb5 #F1 #AbuDhabiGP pic.twitter.com/hHpSwWzkxS

— Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) 26 novembre 2018