Lewis Hamilton Discloses Recent Interaction with Sebastian Vettel, Sharing Insights into Their Friendship
Lewis Hamilton has opened up about a recent exchange with Sebastian Vettel, revealing that he unintentionally left the retired German driver on “read.”
Vettel retired from Formula 1 after the 2022 season, concluding a two-year stint with Aston Martin following his departure from Ferrari. Despite being fierce rivals on the track, Hamilton and Vettel, who both made their F1 debuts in the same season, developed a strong off-track friendship, bonded by shared interests in social and humanitarian causes.
Hamilton, now one of F1’s most seasoned veterans alongside Fernando Alonso, had previously praised Vettel during his retirement from the sport. Their friendship has persisted, as Hamilton disclosed during a media interaction at the Dutch Grand Prix, following a four-week summer break.
During this hiatus, Vettel had messaged Hamilton between the Belgium and Netherlands Grands Prix, but Hamilton had yet to respond to his former title rival.
“We message here and there,” Hamilton explained to the media, including PlanetF1.com, when asked about recent communication with Vettel. “Obviously, I saw him at the Monaco Grand Prix [where Vettel attended as a paddock visitor]. We text every now and then and just send each other positivity. He texted me the other day, and I’ve to get back to him.”
In a lighthearted moment during the press conference, the fact that Hamilton had left Sebastian Vettel on “read” was pointed out to him. Hamilton then clarified why he had been slow to reply to the four-time World Champion.
“Because I disconnected from my phone last week,” Hamilton admitted. “I know it’s not easy, but I put my phone in the safe and tried to just be present with my niece and nephew. So I’ve been playing catch-up the last few days. But I hope to see him soon.”
Hamilton’s remarks offer a glimpse into the enduring friendship between two of Formula 1’s most prominent figures, even after their on-track rivalry has subsided.
