While Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton played out a cat and mouse tactical battle that kept fans enthralled for much of the afternoon, for one little boy the race ended in the first corner.

Shortly after the incident which saw Valtteri Bottas clip Kimi Raikkonen who subsequently hit Max Verstappen, resulting in the retirement of both the Ferrari driver and his Red Bull rival, the TV cameras picked up on a small boy in the grandstand who was clearly distraught.

The boy, bedecked in a Ferrari shirt and cap, was clearly heartbroken at the demise of his hero so early in the race, and as the 2007 world champion watched forlornly from the side of the track, in the stand the little boys tears flowed.

Later in the race however, the cameras once again picked up on the small boy, his tears now replaced by a wide grin as he met his hero in the Ferrari hospitality unit.

The sight of the lad's tears so moved fans on social media that Ferrari, despite having its hands full as Sebastian battled with Lewis, sought out the little chap and invited him and his parents to meet The Iceman.

As Vettel and Hamilton fought their no holds barred battle on track, in the paddock little Thomas Danel from Amiens was melting hearts.

Posing with Raikkonen, who gave the youngster a pair of his boots and a new Ferrari cap, the 6-year-old later joined the Ferrari crew under the podium as Vettel received his trophy.

In a subsequent interview, Thomas' mother, also sporting Ferrari gear, revealed the family has a cat called Schumi.

On a day of on-track tension, it was a gesture that genuinely gave the sport something to feel good about.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by mickl, 16/05/2017 14:13

"@ TokyoAussie

I think the Spanish race tickets are relatively inexpensive compared to say Silverstone."

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2. Posted by TokyoAussie, 16/05/2017 4:20

"Surely something that would never have happened under Bernie. What struck me, though, was that there are still some people who can afford to take their 6-year old to watch a race."

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3. Posted by mickl, 15/05/2017 21:49

"Cue every subsequent race where the dad's take their kids with them along with a supply of drawing pins to make them cry every time someone drops out of the race. :-p

Well done Ferrari."

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4. Posted by RDFox, 15/05/2017 14:54

"Other teams, Liberty, and, hell, the entire rest of the racing world, take note: THIS is how you ensure you will have fans for life. Reach out to the young fan, embrace them, and give them the opportunity to meet their heroes, and they will be forever grateful. A magnificent gesture, and one that warmed my heart to see happen."

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5. Posted by Insane Reindeer, 15/05/2017 10:38

"I think Kimi has mellowed in his old age! And a magnificent gesture from Ferrari too! Top class! :-D
"

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6. Posted by Peter Rickitt, 15/05/2017 9:51

"Thank you, Ferrari and Kimi for your magnificent gesture - it shows others how to win hearts, not whine."

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Thomas' tears melt F1's heart

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