Sebastian Vettel: Lewis Hamilton deserves his Formula 1 success

Vettel retired from the US GP after suffering a left-rear suspension failure, and the Ferrari driver took the pre-podium green room to speak to Hamilton and offer his congratulations.

The Ferrari driver had fallen out of title contention due to a string of high-profile errors and his team's failure to consistently capitalise on its package's strength.

Reflecting on his season and his chat with Hamilton, Vettel said: "I think now is the time to write as many good things as you can [about Hamilton's success].

"I think if somebody wins the title six times, then he deserves all of it. That is what I told him as well.

"I am happy for him. I am not happy that we are not in contention this year and we are so far back.

• Hamilton's sixth title win
• The human side of Hamilton
• The moments that decided the title

"We need to respect what he achieved the last years, and also this year, plus together with his team how strong they have been. I am happy for him. But less happy for us."

Vettel's team-mate Charles Leclerc notably battled Hamilton for his first F1 victory at Spa earlier this year.

Asked for his take on Hamilton's success, Leclerc said: "On my side, I didn't even win one world title.

"Only one world title is already a huge achievement, so to win six is just incredible.

"I think he deserves it. He has done an incredible season. I grew up watching him on TV and just a huge congratulations to him."