While the British media did its best to stir up the 'did he, didn't he' debate over the first lap clash(es) that resulted in Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton dropping down through the field and necessitating pit stops, it appeared to fail to spot the German pull alongside the Briton at the end of the race and applaud him.

Subsequently, though clearly dejected at having failed to claw his way back through the field to keep his title hopes alive, while talking to reporters in the media pen, Vettel grinned when he was approached by the Briton. The two men hugged, and Vettel congratulated the Mercedes driver on his fourth title.

At no point were there any accusations, far less suggestions to "suck my b****".

Indeed, the German admitted that the best man won.

I‘m down, obviously," he told reporters. "It's tough to cross the line and realise that you're not in the fight anymore. That sums it up.

"It's Lewis's day," he continued. "He was crowned world champion and he deserves that, overall he was the better man and did the better job, simple as that.

"Right now, it's disappointing. Next year will be a different story, as we all start again, but right now, in these moments, you need to give credit to the best man and that is him this year."

For much of the season it appeared that it was Vettel who would add to his tally of (four) titles, but in the second half of the season, ironically at Monza, it all began to go wrong.

After a disappointing performance at Monza, where Hamilton finally assumed the championship lead, worse was to follow at Singapore where Vettel collided with teammate Kimi Raikkonen and Max Verstappen at the start. Subsequent technical issues for the German and his team in Malaysia and Japan saw the German now playing catch-up.

However, despite talk of head-to-heads, we never really saw the two go at it, other than the embarrassment of Baku, Vettel all but rolled over for Hamilton in Austin. Nonetheless the two appear to have respect for one another, even if the mind games are all too obvious, almost clumsy.

"I don't fear him. I like racing with him," said Vettel. "I would have liked a little bit more of that this year, but overall, they were just the better bunch.

"He's done a superb job all year round and deserves to win the title. So congratulations to him."

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Spindoctor, 01/11/2017 16:16

"@Trixi
I wasn't particularly referring to the incident last weekend, but a more general tendency to hit other cars at tense times. I'd previously ascribed blame mainly to Verstappen for their crashes, but it seems the common denominator is Vettel."

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2. Posted by Trixi, 31/10/2017 14:42

"@Vinodh Moodley...listen again...his engineer DID answer him. I think you need to watch again; and maybe turn on your volume. That's the common sense here. Also, watch all the races and you will see Lewis do the same thing; I'm going back over the years...like Spain, 2016 when HE crashed into Nico....yes, I'm bringing it up. I'm also saying it happened in this year when it helped him win. "

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3. Posted by Rock Doc, 30/10/2017 23:40

"I really must have seen a different race as it was obviously a first lap incident. They were all looking for the same piece of tarmac and 3 into 1 doesn't work very well. Hamilton came across in front of Vettel giving him no time to react. Neither of them wanted it to happen and they both paid the price.

It was a ballsie move by Verstappen that made the 2 title fighters look like a couple of rookies coming together like that. He left his calling card to 2 4 time champions and they better take note.

Vettel showed class in the loss at the end and Hamilton who really did up his game in recent races. They obviously have respect for each other even if tempers flare in the heat of the race.

Well done to Hamilton. Can't wait to see what next seasons fight turns out to be. With the talent in F1 these days it should be another great battle.

"

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4. Posted by Vinodh Moodley, 30/10/2017 19:32

"@Trixi
Look at the replay, Vettel hit Hamilton. It probably was a normal first lap incident since everyone is fighting really hard for track position but it was a bit clumsy on Vettel's part. However, Hamilton shouldn't have been there in the first place since he only needed to finish in P5. He is a racer so there's little chance of him holding back, just like Vettel.

Hamilton asked a question, his engineer did not reply and Hamilton asked him to answer his question. There was no drama queen nonsense.

You are obviously biased so fact or common sense doesn't make a difference to you."

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5. Posted by Trixi, 30/10/2017 17:49

"Honestly, Vettel didn't "crash" into Hamilton...Hamilton chose to come up along side of Vettel; just like he intends to do all the time. He expects everyone to move out of the way for his highness. Didn't you hear the diva snap at his engineer, even after he gave him the answer? "When I ask a question, I want an ansewr." WOW, drama queen. I bet he is fun to live with when the cameras are off...NOT. Actually, I have seen him when the cameras are not around...he is a prick."

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6. Posted by Spindoctor, 30/10/2017 15:02

"Whilst not subscribing to the more extreme "crashgate" theories, I'm a bit concerned that Vettel just keeps on crashing into people. It's one thing being "tough", quite another being a bit stupidly macho."

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7. Posted by Racer76, 30/10/2017 13:45

"I hope this rivallry continues for a few years. Gotta watch "Rush" tonite"

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Vettel: The best man won

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