Classy Lewis Hamilton moment made F1 rival's 'dream come true' despite forgetting his name

Lewis Hamilton showed his class at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, taking time after the chequered flag to congratulate Franco Colapinto, who later revealed that his exchange with the seven-time world champion was the best moment of his day.

Colapinto made just his second-ever Grand Prix start on Sunday but followed up a surprise Q3 appearance with a P8 finish, contributing four points to a mammoth 10-point haul for the struggling Williams team.

Finishing in the top 10 on track was a statement result from Colapinto, given that his predecessor Logan Sargeant failed to achieve that in 36 Grand Prix starts, and the Argentinian racer’s exploits caught the attention of F1’s most decorated driver.

Colapinto posted a photo of his interaction with Hamilton to Instagram with the caption: “My best moment of the day. How crazy and what a dream come true to shake hands with @lewishamilton after a race together wow.”

Hamilton also commented on Colapinto’s performance in his post-race interview with Sky Sports F1, while also heaping praise on Oliver Bearman, who scored a point on his Haas debut after replacing the suspended Kevin Magnussen.

"All I can is it's really great to see talented young guys coming through and driving so well," Hamilton said. "Oliver did a great job, racing against him... it was tough but fair. And yeah... I don't remember that kid's name... for Williams... Colapinto! He did a great job today as well."

Colapinto’s excellent start to life in F1 will throw a spanner into the works of the driver market. The Argentinian driver will not be racing for Williams in 2025 with Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz both signed up long-term, so the 21-year-old may look elsewhere for a full-time drive.

Mattia Binotto may stand up and take notice. The Sauber boss is currently assessing Valtteri Bottas and Gabriel Bortoleto for the second seat alongside Nico Hulkenberg, but with Colapinto’s performances and sponsorship potential, he will be hard to ignore as an option.

“They showed so much confidence and trust in putting me in a seat,” Colapinto explained after scoring his maiden F1 points. “It was a very difficult bet and a bet that many people didn't understand. But I hope to be showing what I'm capable of and that I deserve a seat in Formula One.

“The idea and the opportunity that James gave me are helping me to show that. I am just doing a lot of work to try to learn quick. I have very little mileage in a Formula One car, it's only two races and one Free Practice One and a few laps in Abu Dhabi last year.”