Lewis Hamilton sends ‘amazing’ message to Franco Colapinto and Ollie Bearman after Azerbaijan Grand Prix

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There was a meeting of two generations of Formula 1 racers during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix as one of the sport’s greatest-ever drivers took on the two least experienced stars on the grid.

Lewis Hamilton had a difficult race ahead of him in Baku when Mercedes decided to change his power unit between qualifying and the Grand Prix, meaning he had to start from the pit lane.

He slowly made progress through the pack before getting stuck while battling the two least experienced drivers on the grid.

Franco Colapinto stepped up in Monza to replace Logan Sargeant, and that decision from Williams already appears to have paid off.

He out-scored Sargeant’s career points tally in Azerbaijan by finishing 8^th and held off Hamilton at the end of the race.

Colapinto was overwhelmed by Hamilton congratulating him after the race, and he’ll be hoping to take part in similar battles over the course of the final seven Grand Prix.

Oliver Bearman knew he was only going to have one shot to impress for Haas this season with Kevin Magnussen serving a one-race ban.

READ MORE: Who is 2025 Haas driver and Ferrari gem Oliver Bearman? Everything to know

His temporary teammate Nico Hulkenberg was furious to have missed out on scoring a point in Baku after Bearman followed Hamilton past him with an opportunistic move after Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez’s heavy crash.

Lewis Hamilton congratulates Franco Colapinto and Oliver Bearman after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Hamilton took to Instagram after the race to reflect on his time in Baku and said: “The weekend started with a lot of positives but by the end it was a tough one for all of us.

“Still, we recognize what went well and will learn from what didn’t. It wasn’t easy, but I’m proud of every member of this team for the hard work that got us to the end.

“Congrats to George on the podium, and to @francolapinto and @olliebearman as well.

“It was a great fight, and it’s amazing to see so much new talent coming in. Singapore soon, send good vibes.”

Colapinto replied to Hamilton and still appeared to be in shock about the whole situation when he said: “Lewis to shake hands with you after a race was one of the most special moments I’ve had in my life.

“Really appreciate how much respect you showed.

READ MORE: Everything to know about Williams driver Franco Colapinto with praise to stats

“Really looking forward to meeting you back on track soon!”

Bearman kept his message much more simple, perhaps knowing that more battles are coming in 2025 and beyond and added: “Thank you Lewis,” with the pair both set to be part of the Ferrari family from next year.

Lewis Hamilton left ‘out of sync’ by Mercedes radio message

Starting from the pit lane was far from ideal for Hamilton, and he couldn’t capitalise on the chaos that normally ensues at the beginning of a race in Azerbaijan.

Aside from Yuki Tsunoda and Lance Stroll’s collision, everyone kept the racing very clean, meaning Hamilton had to work his way through the pack in the traditional way.

Alex Brundle believes Hamilton was left out of sync by a Mercedes radio message, but the Brit recovered to at least earn a couple of points for the team.

READ MORE: Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton’s life outside F1 from net worth to family

After going on a run of race wins, Mercedes no longer appear to be threatening Ferrari or McLaren.

It would take a miracle for them not to finish 4^th in the Constructors’ Championship this season, but at least Hamilton has secured a pair of farewell victories before he leaves for Ferrari next season.