Reigning Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton paid tribute to “incredible comrade” Sir Stirling Moss after the British racing legend passed away on Sunday, aged 90.

Though Moss never won the Formula One title, he was regarded as one of the greatest ever drivers in the sport’s history after a glittering career featuring 16 grand prix wins during its most dangerous era.

Hamilton wrote on Instagram: “Today we say goodbye to Sir Stirling Moss, the racing legend.

“I think it’s important that we celebrate his incredible life and the great man he was. Saying goodbye is never easy and can be sad but he will always be here, in our memories and will always be such a huge part of British Motorsports Heritage.

“I certainly will miss our conversations. To be honest, it was such an unusual pairing, our friendship. Two people from massively different times and backgrounds but we clicked and ultimately found that the love for racing we both shared made us comrades.

“I am truly grateful to have had these special moments with him. Sending my prayers and thoughts to his family. May he rest in peace.”