Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg had a well publicised battle while team-mates at Mercedes but that seems to have waned after the German hailed his former colleague’s latest title success.
The scrap between the pair, which ended in Rosberg lifting his first world title and retiring five days later, is over and the one-time F1 champion has now sent a nice message to Hamilton.
“Karting together who would have thought that we’d both be F1 world champion one day,” Rosberg tweeted.
“And you? You’ve achieved it for the sixth time – on your way to becoming the GOAT. Impressive!
“My greatest respect – enjoy these moments and celebrate. Well deserved, @LewisHamilton.”
Hamilton, 34, is yet to respond to the goodwill message, but he has lavished praised on both his fans, and his late mentor Niki Lauda.
Hamilton wrote on Twitter: “As a kid growing up in Stevenage, it was a wish to win an F1 race and a dream to win a championship, so to be standing here today representing my country, is such an incredible honour and beyond what I could have ever imagined.
“If just one kid sees me standing here and decides to follow their dream, no matter what it may be, nothing would make me more proud.
“I wouldn’t be here without so many of you.
“My amazing family, especially my dad who taught me to never give up, my friends, my team at Mercedes and my fans.
“You’ve been here with me on this journey from the start and it’s been because of you that I stay focused and determined.
“I’m forever grateful from the bottom of my heart for every single one of you for the constant support, encouragement and love.
“This season is for Niki Lauda, my incredible friend and mentor who we lost this year, who proved that courage and determination go hand in hand.
“This one’s for you, Niki. I’ll continue to make you proud.”
Hamilton and Mercedes will be hoping to end the season in style with wins in both Brazil and Abu Dhabi over the next four weeks, while Ferrari and Sebastian Vettel will target a boost as preparations for the 2020 season begins.
The four-time world champion has only won one race in current campaign, but he was more than happy to hand his old rival plaudits at the weekend.
“I think now is the time for you to write as many good things as you can,” Vettel told Sky Sports after Hamilton’s victory.
“If somebody wins the title six times he deserves all of it. That’s what I told him as well.”