Praise for Hamilton from across the grid, and beyond, after title win
Monday 30 October 2017 12:54, UK
Lewis Hamilton has been hailed as a deserved world champion by his fellow drivers with sporting 'royalty' from across the world also saluting the Mercedes driver.
"This year he has been the strongest," said Red Bull's Max Verstappen, the race winner at the Mexican GP as Hamilton sealed his fourth crown.
"Lewis has been great," added Daniel Ricciardo. "I don't think they've always had the best car. I think most of the time yes, but they stole some victories from Ferrari and I would say held a bit better composure - and that's Lewis's experience as well.
"When he needed to turn it on, he did."
Sebastian Vettel's fourth-place finish ultimately secured Hamilton the championship, but even the Ferrari driver conceded that he was beaten by the better man over the season.
"He's done a superb job all year round and deserves to win the title," said the German before embracing his title rival in the media pen.
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'Lewis is best British sportsman'
Hamilton believes a more harmonious driver partnership has helped him at Mercedes this season, with Valtteri Bottas replacing Nico Rosberg for 2017.
"Coming into the team I didn't know him at all," explained the Finn, who joined from Williams. "I didn't know him as a guy I just knew him as a really good driver. This year has confirmed he's a really good driver but he's a really nice guy.
"He's a normal human being like the rest of us and we've had good respect from the beginning of the year. I always knew he had a lot of talent but I didn't know he worked so hard. He definitely deserved the title this year."
Only Kimi Raikkonen, Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa can claim to have had a longer Formula 1 career than Hamilton, and it's clear the Englishman has also made his mark on the sport's experienced professionals.
"In a way I am happy that Lewis gets this fourth title," admitted Alonso, Hamilton's McLaren team-mate in 2007. "It's strange to see four Vettel and three for Hamilton, now there is much more logic. I think Lewis has had a better racing career."
Williams driver Massa added: "Lewis is definitely one of the best drivers in the history of Formula 1. You cannot really take him away or on a different level compared to Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna. He's there."
And the admiration didn't stop there.
"Lewis is a legend and a great ambassador for the sport," insisted Force India's Sergio Perez. "I think he's the best driver and I'm very happy for him because he deserves all the success."
Carlos Sainz endured a difficult Mexican GP at Renault but admitted: "I think Lewis took a big step forward this year in terms of consistency. He rarely had an off weekend and that's what makes a champion."
Lance Stroll idolised Hamilton as a youngster and also reserved high praise for the 32-year-old.
"Big congratulations to Lewis, he is the king of Formula One, there is no doubt about it," said the Williams youngster, one of Hamilton's better friends on the grid.
"It is incredible what he has accomplished. He is a big inspiration for young drivers like me."
It wasn't just F1 drivers who were praising Hamilton, either. PSG forward Neymar congratulated his friend over team radio after the race, before taking to Instagram.
And sprint king Usain Bolt, who spent a lot of time with Hamilton at the United States GP, also got involved.
But Kimi shies away from Hamilton reflections...
But one driver out of kilter from the rest of his peers on Sunday was Raikkonen with the famously-taciturn Finn somewhat unforthcoming with his view on the Mercedes driver and his achievement...
"I think you have to go and talk to him," said the Iceman when asked about Hamilton's titles. "It's good for him, a lot of wins, a lot of championships. Good, but what can I say?"
"You don't care, right?," added Verstappen in the press conference.
"Can we be happy about it?," responded Kimi. "In a way, yes, but... I'm happy for him but inside, you know."
