Lewis Hamilton pays tribute to Kobe Bryant

Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton was among those in the motorsport community who paid tribute to Kobe Bryant following the news of his death on Sunday.

Bryant and his daughter Gianna were among several people killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, on Sunday, a source confirmed to ESPN. Bryant was 41.

Drafted 13th overall in 1996 out of Lower Merion High School outside of Philadelphia, Bryant was a five-time NBA champion, a two-time NBA Finals MVP and the 2008 NBA MVP. The 18-time All Star retired in 2016 after 20 seasons in the league, all with the Los Angeles Lakers.

In addition to his initial Instagram post (below), Hamilton also published a series of Instagram stories paying tribute to Bryant.

View this post on Instagram

I just woke up to this devastating news and i'm so sad to hear that we lost one of our greats. @kobebryant was one of the greatest athletes and was such an inspiration to so many including myself. I'm deeply saddened for his family and also for all the people around the world who looked up to him. May he, his daughter and the other passengers involved rest in peace.

A post shared by Lewis Hamilton (@lewishamilton) on Jan 26, 2020 at 2:32pm PST

View this post on Instagram

Rest in peace Kobe. One of the best sportsmen/athletes that has ever lived. My heart goes out to his family and to all involved in this terrible accident 🙏🏽 #ripkobebryant

A post shared by Jenson Button (@jensonbutton) on Jan 26, 2020 at 1:17pm PST

View this post on Instagram

R.I.P 👑 and his daughter. Thoughts go to his family and to the others involved. #24 #kobebryant

A post shared by Lando Norris (@landonorris) on Jan 26, 2020 at 12:06pm PST

A huge legend just left us...Rest in peace Kobe 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/4vnOFOZ1OA

— Carlos Sainz (@Carlossainz55) January 26, 2020