Lewis Hamilton was praised for his warmth towards Red Bull after the Las Vegas GP (Image: X/@AleefHamilton44)
Stories of ‘s distaste for all things were perhaps overblown on Sunday. That’s after the star had a heart-warming encounter with some of ‘s team after the Dutchman confirmed his fourth straight title.
Verstappen, 27, finished fifth on the day but with two races to spare this season. The ace began his streak with the highly controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix result, sparking a new stage in his rivalry with Hamilton.
But the Briton put any bitterness aside after placing second behind team-mate in Vegas. The Silver Arrows superstar pulled off a remarkable comeback after starting 10th on the grid and understandably looked proud as punch at the finish.
He wasn’t the only one proud of such a feat, however, as ‘s engineers invaded the track to show Hamilton their appreciation. And the respect was mutual, it appeared, as Hamilton reciprocated their well wishes with some warm handshakes.
The marvel has more reason than most to hold a grudge after being denied a record-breaking eighth world championship three years ago. However, the 39-year-old proved his maturity – as did those members offering congratulations – in light of his achievement. “That is actually really nice to see,” praised one spectator on X. Another wrote: “That’s real sportsmanship.”
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The side of Lewis the media doesn’t show, the Red Bull guys coming over to congratulate the ?????? on his amazing comeback ????????????
— Aleef™ (@AleefHamilton44)
A third fan added: “They [‘s engineers] know who he is and they are not afraid to acknowledge. I respect them.” And a fourth gushed: “They know a pure racer when they see one. They also know how great it was watching Lewis slice through the field.”
Sunday marked Hamilton’s fifth podium finish of what’s been a mostly underwhelming campaign by his standards. The F1 great sparked hope for a mid-season revival after wins at Silverstone and Spa in close succession, but he remains seventh in the standings for now.
The Red Bull staff were seen smiling wide as they spoke with the Mercedes man (Image: X/@AleefHamilton44)
That being said, the powers that be at Maranello will be licking their lips at this latest performance. The veteran will join in a matter of weeks and continues to show glimpses of a talent that may yet contend for another world title.
As for , Verstappen’s team will have a job on their hands holding off the competition if he’s to make it five in a row next year. Results have stagnated following a blistering start to the 2024 campaign, and both and will be desperate to close the gap in 2025.