Vettel's peers pay tribute to future F1 retiree

Formula 1's class of 2022 paid tribute to Sebastian Vettel following the Aston Martin driver's decision to retire from the sport at the end of the year.

Thursday's announcement, on the eve of the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend, was not entirely unexpected, but the news inspired many to pay homage to Grand Prix racing's third most successful driver in its history.

First in line, Vettel's former arch-rival Lewis Hamilton expressed his appreciation for having the opportunity to race against the former Red Bull and Ferrari driver.

"Seb, it’s been an honour to call you a competitor and an ever greater honour to call you my friend," Hamilton wrote on social media.

"Leaving this sport better than you found it is always the goal. I have no doubt that whatever comes next for you will be exciting, meaningful, and rewarding. Love you, man."

Mick Schumacher, Vettel's protégé, also took to social media to express a few words of gratitude for his mentor.

"I’m so sad that you’re leaving, but at the same time excited for you and this new chapter of your life," wrote the Haas charger. "You’ve been and still are such an important person to me and I’m thankful for our friendship."

• Read also: A few words from the good Mr. Vettel

In Thursday's media round with the drivers at the Hungaroring, Vettel's colleagues took turns praising the F1 legend but also the man.

"He has achieved so much in this sport that it's fully understandable for him to retire," said Max Verstappen. "Of course he's a great ambassador for the sport...I think it's important now that he's going to enjoy this time with his family."

Ferrari's Carlos Sainz recalled his time with Vettel during his formative years in F1 with Red Bull.

"For me, he was since the beginning even before I arrived in F1 a great role model," said the Spaniard. "I was privileged enough to be the simulator driver when he was at his peak...I could see how professional he was."

Mercedes' George Russell spoke of how the 53-time F1 winner was an inspiration for young drivers.

"Such an inspiration and such a humble bloke," said Russell. "As Carlos said, nobody has got a bad word to say about Seb. As I said, an inspiration."

Charles Leclerc, who spent two season alongside Vettel at Ferrari how he felt in awe of the German at the start of their collaboration with the Italian outfit.

"I arrived the first year and I was obviously super-impressed and I think I was probably very weird to him because I was shy and didn’t know what to say when I was with him," he said.

"But now he’s a friend and he always texts me, like he did after Sunday, and always tried to make me feel better whenever I’m going through a tough time.

"Obviously it’s going to be strange to not see Seb inside the paddock. I’ve learnt so much driving with him and he’s always been super-nice with me."

Vettel's former Red Bull teammate Daniel Ricciardo said that he hopes the German will retain his director role with the GPDA in the future. 

"Maybe we'll see if he wants to continue," said the McLaren driver. "Certainly he's done a good job.

"But, yeah, Seb is a guy that a lot of the time just says it as it is and I don't mean too… that's not in aggressive way, he's just very honest and direct.

"And on topics like safety then we don't need to beat around the bush. So, I think he's character is really good for that position.

"We'll see, it's obviously all very new news for us. I guess we'll discuss it internally and have a think who's a good replacement. But, yeah, he was great for us."

As for Lance Stroll, the Canadian offered a facetious reply when asked what he will miss the most about his Aston Martin teammate.

"Well, definitely not the long debriefs, I think he’s good at that," joked StrolL.

"No, kidding aside, he’s been a great team player and someone who has been really easy to work alongside, it’s been fun."

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