Vettel's heartfelt tribute to a talented and worthy teammate

©MorganCaron

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©MorganCaron

Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc enjoyed an end-of-season helmet swap after Sunday's Abu Dhabi GP.

And the moment will likely be remembered by both drivers as the highlight of their final weekend together at Ferrari in light of another unremarkable performance by the Scuderia.

Leclerc sported at Yas Marina a special lid - based on Vettel's own helmet design - that honoured his four-time world champion teammate.

The two men found themselves at odds with each other on the track a few tiles in the past two years, but there is no doubting the abundance of mutual respect that unites them.

As Vettel donated his helmet to the Monegasque, he inscribed a heartfelt tribute to Leclerc.

"To Charles, you are the most talented driver I came across in 15 years of F1. Don't waste it. But be sure whatever you do to be happy and smile. Thanks for everything!"

Class act!

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.