Lewis Hamilton led tributes from the Formula 1 world after the death of football legend Pelé on Thursday.
Considered by many as one of the greatest footballers ever to play the game, the Brazilian won three World Cups with his country and became one of the first global soccer stars. He died in hospital in Sao Paulo, aged 82, after having received treatment for colon cancer.
Tributes poured in from across the sporting world and beyond after the news was shared by his daughter, Kely Nascimento, on social media. British F1 star Hamilton was one of whose who shared a public message of grief.
"Lost a legend today," he wrote in his Instagram story. "Thank you for sharing your talent, genius and love with us. Pelé's legacy will inspire us forever and always." That message was accompanied by a photo of the Brazilian holding three World Cup trophies.
He also added several more photos, including one from 2021 in which Pelé was holding a Brazil football shirt with a special message for Hamilton. He had gone to the trouble of that gesture for the seven-time world champion after Hamilton shrouded himself in the Brazilian flag after winning that season's race at Interlagos.
"A wonderful performance. A day as glorious for you, Lewis, as for us Brazilians," wrote Pelé to go along with the photo. "It's great to see an F1 driver raise our flag on the podium. Thank you for being who you are."
On Thursday, Hamilton posted that same photo on his own story and revealed that it will be a memory which he will treasure. The Mercedes driver added: "Meant so much to get this from the legend himself. Keeping it safe with me always."
Pelé was known to enjoy motorsport and made several trips during his life to attend races. He was commonly seen at the Brazilian Grand Prix where, on occasion, he took part in podium ceremonies by handing out trophies to the top three drivers.
In an official statement, F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali said: "Very sad to hear the news that Pelé, one of greatest footballers ever has passed away. He was a shining light for Brazil and millions around the world. His skill, smile and brilliance will live on forever. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time."
