Feature
Plaudits come in from across the world as Hamilton takes record-equalling seventh title
Share
A seventh Formula 1 World Championship title for Lewis Hamilton drew plaudits from the world of Formula 1 – including fellow drivers Sebastian Vettel, Max Verstappen, ex-champion Damon Hill – and beyond after the Briton stormed to a sensational victory in Turkey.
On social media, Ferrari – who have challenged Hamilton for the title throughout the hybrid era – Tweeted their congratulations after the memorable race, while Vettel himself revealed what he said to Hamilton in parc ferme: “I told him that it’s very special for us because we can witness history being made today. I think he is the greatest of our era for sure."
Charles Leclerc added his congratulations on Twitter too.
WATCH: Anthony Hamilton's touching tribute to son Lewis, as he wins 7th world title
Hamilton's team mate Valtteri Bottas - the only man who could mathematically stop him from winning a seventh title, was gracious in defeat, saying: “He deserves it fully. He was the better of us this year overall, on average, and he fully deserves it."
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen said: “It was pretty obvious that he was going to win it, but it's incredible. He’s now the greatest driver in Formula 1 ever, in terms of stats anyway. It's a great result, also for the whole team as well; they have been so dominant, they certainly deserve it.”
RACE HIGHLIGHTS: Watch all the action as Hamilton clinches 7th title at the Turkish GP
And Red Bull’s engine suppliers, Honda, released a statement that read: “On behalf of Honda, our congratulations go to Lewis Hamilton. He took his seventh title in the best possible way, winning a difficult race from sixth on the grid”.
While the Bulls' former driver, Renault’s Daniel Ricciardo, called it a “spectacular” triumph in this interview:
Daniel Ricciardo reflects on his Turkish GP and congratulates Lewis Hamilton's 'spectacular' title
Other F1 drivers, such as Williams’ George Russell, Racing Point's Lance Stroll, Renault’s Esteban Ocon and Haas’s Romain Grosjean shared their thoughts as well.
Former drivers showed their appreciation of Hamilton’s incredible achievement too. Damon Hill, 1996 World Champion, was glued to the Turkish Grand Prix and sent his words of congratulations at the chequered flag, while Indycar legend and four-time champion Dario Franchitti weighed in as well.
Ex-Mercedes executive director Paddy Lowe branded Hamilton the greatest of all time:
And McLaren boss Zak Brown sent congratulations on behalf of his team.
It wasn’t just the world of F1, but sportspersons and personalities across the world who added their congratulations. Olympic champion and marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge recognised Hamilton's championship:
MotoGP's newly crowned champion Joan Mir said Hamilton has had an "amazing" career:
FIA President Jean Todt - who was there to celebrate with Michael Schumacher when he won 7 titles - sent his best wishes:
And the world of football had its say too, with five-time Champions’ League winners Barcelona having this to say:
Meanwhile multiple Premier League champion and Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand said Hamilton could now be considered his country's greatest sportsperson:
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
TechnicalF1 Unlocked TECH WEEKLY: 3 of the best updates from 2024 so far – and 3 that didn’t work
News ‘We missed an Italian on the F1 grid’ – Ex-F1 driver Liuzzi tips ‘amazing’ Antonelli to shine at Mercedes
News Newey explains why he opted for 'old school' Aston Martin, rather than joining Hamilton in 2025 move to Ferrari
FeatureF1 Unlocked UNDERDOG TALES: When Bianchi charged to the points with minnows Marussia and made an everlasting mark on F1