Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel are among the most decorated Formula One drivers ever. They have been long-time rivals as well as good friends. Hamilton broke the streak of Red Bull and Vettel back in 2014. The German won four driver’s world championships in a row from 2010 to 2013. And he was on his way to winning his fifth consecutive world championship when the turbo-hybrid era began.
As everybody knows, the turbo-hybrid era entirely belonged to Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton. From 2014 to 2021, the Silver Arrows won eight constructor titles, and Hamilton won six world championships. Adding to his first driver’s title in 2008 with McLaren, he equaled Michael Schumacher with the most title wins (7). However, the seven-time world champion lost the championship to his teammate Nico Rosberg in 2016. On the other hand, Sebastian Vettel, in that turbo-hybrid age, moved from Red Bull to Ferrari. But in 2023, the German driver retired. However, he returned to the paddock after several months this Friday. But this was not the highlight of the weekend. The fans went crazy when he met his old friend Hamilton.
Sebastian Vettel Meets Lewis Hamilton, And Fans Got Very Excited
The four-time champion Vettel won many more races with Ferrari but not titles. In the later part of his driving career in Formula One, Sebastian Vettel moved to Aston Martin. Later, he announced his retirement after the end of the 2022 season. After he announced his retirement, love, and support came pouring in from all corners. His long-time rival cum friend Lewis Hamilton spoke about Vettel’s journey. As the Mercedes driver told Channel 4, “I am very grateful to have him as a friend. It is mainly because he is one of the very few drivers who stand for something more than themselves. We’ll miss him. But I’m sure he’ll be back in some shape or form.” And recently, Sebastian Vettel returned to the F1 paddock after several months of hiatus.
On Friday, people were able to see Vettel and Hamilton talk to each other in Monaco. The two greats seemed very happy to see each other. They talked, hugged, and went on for a walk. It was clearly visible that these drivers are there together after sharing a long history. Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton have always been there for each other. Incidentally, back in 2020, when Hamilton marked the protest against racism, among several drivers, Vettel provided him a big support as he kneeled down beside him. Hence, seeing the two together again sparked the fans to flood social media. Most of them wrote something along the lines of, “It is great to see the two kings meet again.” Moreover, many fans wrote, “We miss Sebastian. We want him to come back.” The image of the two rivals turning friends melted many hearts among Formula One fans all around the world.
I missed their friendship so much🥹
— AF (@AFFBLOG25) May 27, 2023
2 legends of the sport!
— BSDF1 (Back Seat Drivers) (@BSDF1media) May 27, 2023
The reunion we all knew we needed
— I don’t have a name (@vvoidlap58) May 27, 2023
Sewis how we’ve missed YOUUU 🥹💜🔥
— Jadeelf254 (@jadeelf254) May 27, 2023
Will The Four-Time Champion Return To F1 In A Different Role?
Anyhow, there is a possibility that Sebastian Vettel might return to F1 in another role. He can still contribute to the sport in so many different ways. Even Vettel has mentioned how much he misses racing in Formula One in general. This kind of return from retirement is pretty normal in Formula One. The biggest examples of such are none other than Michael Schumacher & Fernando Alonso.
But currently, he is enjoying his time with family and friends and hopes to continue to do so. But also, Vettel has hinted about his wish to return to the sport in some sort, shape, or form. Only time will tell when or if he returns to Aston Martin or some other team as an advisor or something else.