Seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton said his demo run at Interlagos in the 1990 McLaren driven by Ayrton Senna was “the greatest honour of my career”.
30 years after his untimely death, Formula 1 celebrated Brazillian icon Ayrton Senna at the circuit he adored—Interlagos. It was fitting that the man leading the tribute on track was none other than Lewis Hamilton, the man who idolised Senna as a child.
It was a dismal Sau Paulo Grand Prix weekend for Hamilton. The Briton was at odds with his capricious Mercedes W15 from the outset. 11th in Sprint Qualifying, 11th in the Sprint, 16th in GP Qualifying, and 10th was a dismal return for a driver who is not only a wet-weather specialist but also an Interlagos fan favourite.
Hamilton’s connection to Senna is stronger than just fandom. The seven-time world champion’s love for Brazil, its circuit and race fans has granted him honourary citizenship. Yet, despite his love of Senna and Brazil, Hamilton’s appearances in Ayrton’s iconic machines have been scarce over the years.
Hamilton put that right in Sao Paulo last weekend, piloting Senna’s 1990 MP4/5B in front of a sellout Interlagos crowd.
“I love coming here,” the Mercedes driver said upon arriving at Interlagos. “I’ve been really excited about the trip and just getting back. Every opportunity I have to spend time here. You learn more about the culture. You are able to engage more. I know the Senna Foundation did an amazing event last night with all the great work that they’re doing. And it’s just the colours, it’s Ayrton, it’s the culture, the people. So you really vibe off that through the whole weekend.
“I never in a million years thought I’d ever get to drive Senna’s car here. I remember, someone contacted me, my manager told me about it, and I jumped at the opportunity. Back in the day, when I was at McLaren, I did get the chance to drive the MP4/4 around Silverstone, which was incredible. But just the thought of driving that car around here, if you look at the… I remember the races where he was, when he finally won here and held the flag and yeah, it will definitely be quite an emotional experience and I hope people are here to see it.”
Interlagos cheers for Lewis Hamilton amid Ayrton Senna tribute
The roar of the naturally aspirated 3.5 litre Honda V10 engine was a glorious soundtrack as Hamilton toured the Interlagos circuit. It was met in equal measure by the roars of the crowd. It’s no wonder, as Senna yellow spreads through the Interlagos grandstands as much now as it did 30 years ago.
“It’s really, very very emotional,” Hamilton said as he got out of the iconic McLaren machine. “Naturally. I was just revisiting my childhood as I was watching Ayrton race here as a kid and hearing that sound and watching him drive here and win that race [1991]. I can’t believe I just had that chance to do that. It was really the greatest honour of my career. To do it here in front of this beautiful crowd here in Brazil who stood out in the rain all day [Saturday] and have been here since 3/4 Am. A very, very special day and I’m incredibly grateful to everyone to make this happen. I would race that today if I could, it would be my pleasure. Obrigado to everyone here in Brazil.”
The Senna run was Hamilton’s only highlight of the Sao Paulo GP this year. It could well be his only highlight of the remaining races he has with Mercedes.
But what is fitting is that Hamilton’s next destination, Ferrari, is one that is also intrinsically linked with Senna’s legacy.
Before the Brazilian’s untimely demise, there was an understanding, a notion and a will to bring F1’s most enigmatic driver and team together. Senna and Ferrari were partners destined to be together, yet that sadly never came to pass.
30 years on, F1’s chief record breaker and a man who idolised Senna from the outset, will fulfil that dream at Ferrari in 2025. Perhaps Hamilton will be able to write Ayrton’s final chapter for him.
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