Red Bull driver Max Verstappen has opened up on a secret meeting with Sebastian Vettel following the controversial British grand Prix last year.
Verstappen was involved in a heavy collision with rival Lewis Hamilton during the opening lap of the race.
The Dutchman was sent to hospital as a precautionary measure following the crash, but was soon released after no repercussions of the incident were detected.
Vettel, who will retire following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this weekend, has been one of the focal points of interest for many in the media.
When he was asked about his memories with Vettel, Verstappen detailed the “caring” nature of the German driver.
“I think as a person, he’s always been very caring and of course I have had my heated battles with him [on-track], especially in the beginning of my career,” Verstappen said.
“But for me, one thing I will always remember for the rest of my life was last year at Silverstone, I got back from the hospital and went to my motorhome to get all my stuff and he was there waiting for me when I got out of the car.
“He said: ‘Okay Max, how are you doing, are you okay?’ and that just shows how he is.
“He is a super nice, caring person who is not only there for performance, but he also means well.
“I think it’s also really nice to be remembered like that.”
Red Bull is perhaps proudest when it comes to drivers Verstappen and Vettel.
The two are the only ones to have won a drivers’ championship for the team.
Vettel had won it four years in a row, while Verstappen has made it two-in-two after comfortably wrapping up affairs this season.
Between them, the duo are responsible for 72 of the team’s 91 race wins.
Verstappen full of praise for Vettel
When asked about Vettel’s impact on the team and his legacy, Verstappen was full of praise.
“He has meant a lot to Red Bull,” he said.
“He came through as a junior and basically achieved all of it in the sport and he still has a lot of friends within Red Bull.
“He has had a career which a lot of people could only dream of.
“We’ll also do a helmet swap this weekend, it’s definitely a very nice helmet to have in the collection.
“He will definitely be missed. But on the other hand, I also really wish him well for the future, whatever he wants to do, but I think what is most important is to spend time with family.
“You know, he’s a real family man. That’s great to see and he is a great example.”