
Over the next four years he became the face of F1, winning four consecutive championships and becoming the youngest world champion in the process (taking the accolade from Lewis Hamilton). Vettel’s F1 career started in 2007 and, in his first three years, he took nine podiums and five wins, though this was nothing on what was to come. While his form in Formula 1 slowed towards the end of his career, there was a time when Sebastian Vettel was virtually unbeatable.

Hamilton holds many of Formula 1’s records and, with a contract that runs to the end of 2023, he looks to be able to push even further ahead on many of them. The Brit has taken wins in 30 different countries, won a race in almost every season he’s competed in, and is currently tied on world championships with Michael Schumacher, having narrowly missed out on taking an eighth world title in 2021 to Max Verstappen.
FORMULA ONE WINNERS DRIVER
In terms of career wins and total career points, Lewis Hamilton is the best Formula 1 driver to have ever graced a circuit. Photo by: Jerry Andre / Motorsport Images 1. Those comments were put to Verstappen at the FIA Gala, who said: "I can understand that the first few days after a race like that you're not happy but you should also understand this is racing.Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, 1st position, celebrates on arrival in Parc Ferme In a news conference earlier on Thursday, Wolff had admitted that both he and Hamilton felt "disillusioned" following the events of Abu Dhabi and offered no assurances that the latter would definitely return to F. In addition to Allison, Valtteri Bottas, who finished third in the championship and is leaving Mercedes for the 2022 season, was present.

Outgoing FIA president Jean Todt said he did not want to discuss controversial matters at a celebratory event, adding he felt "sorry" that Mercedes were not there on a wider scale as they deserved "much more reward" for their latest Constructors' Championship victory.

FORMULA ONE WINNERS DRIVERS
It is unclear whether Hamilton will face consequences for skipping the event, as Article 6.6 of the F1 Sporting Regulations states that "the drivers finishing first, second and third in the Championship must be present at the annual FIA Prize Giving ceremony". New F1 world champion Max Verstappen says Lewis Hamilton has 'no reason' not to return to Formula 1 next season after Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said he could not guarantee Hamilton would race next year.
