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<\/p>\nLewis Hamilton showed a touch of class by praising rival Max Verstappen during his speech at the FIA Prize Giving gala.<\/p>\n
The British driver finished a distant third behind Red Bull duo Verstappen and Sergio Perez, who claimed victory in all but one race across the 2023 season. Verstappen set a new record for Grand Prix wins to seal his third-successive F1 title, moving him closer to Hamilton's joint record of seven.<\/p>\n
But the Mercedes star didn't let rivalry spoil his speech. As he took to the stage to collect his third-place trophy, Hamilton said Verstappen was "faultless" over the season and claimed the Dutchman had "raised the bar" with his performances.<\/p>\n
READ MORE: Lewis Hamilton went topless on Abu Dhabi GP podium to show off new tattoo<\/b><\/p>\n
READ MORE: F1's highest paid drivers as Max Verstappen pockets over \u00a310m more than Lewis Hamilton<\/b><\/p>\nJoin the Daily Star's WhatsApp for the sexiest headlines, showbiz gossip and lots more<\/h3>\n
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"Good evening everyone, I just want to wish everyone a big, congratulations on this year," Hamilton began. "For everyone, it has been a very, very long season and very much looking forward to the winter break. We're working very, very hard on making sure we come back strong next year.<\/p>\n
"I must say a big congratulations to Red Bull, Verstappen and Checo – they've done an incredible job this year. Max Verstappen was faultless. Max and all of his team really raised the bar and we have a lot of work to close that gap, but I truly do believe that we can close that gap."<\/p>\n
Can Hamilton beat Verstappen driving a Mercedes? Let us know in the comments section below.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n
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Fans on social media branded the 38-year-old "a class act". One X user wrote: "Humble even in defeat. You can't hate Lewis man. This guy is such a class act." Another wrote: "Great speech and fair play to him for praise Max and Checo. That must not have been easy."<\/p>\n
A third added: "Not sure you'd hear Verstappen being so humble if he came third." A fourth commented: "That man is always so gracious. He's got more sheer class, manners, and style than the entire FIA and Red Bull team combined."<\/p>\n