Hamilton honours Vettel: "Love you, man"

One Formula One great is honouring another Formula One great. Sebastian Vettel retires in 2023 and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton says goodbye to rival and friend.

Hamilton says goodbye to Vettel

Vettel implicitly announced his departure some time ago, but came out with the big news today. The four-time world champion will retire from Formula 1 in 2023. In a video on his Instagram, the German said that he is more than just a racing driver and that he is going to continue his life with new goals that suit him at the moment. The former champion is receiving honours from another great by way of farewell. Mercedes driver Hamilton let it be known on Twitter that he wishes Vettel all the best.

"Seb, it has been an honour to call you a competitor and even a greater honour to call you my friend. Leaving the sport better than you found it is always the goal. I'm sure whatever comes next for you will be exciting, meaningful and rewarding. Love you, man."

Together, the two share a whopping 11 F1 titles, making it a duet between true greats. Vettel and Hamilton have shared the podium countless times and Hamilton has won 26 races with the German behind him. There are still ten races to go, in which the two drivers will probably have little to do with each other on track, but Vettel and Hamilton will always have a lot to do with each other in the F1 history books.