SAO PAULO — Lewis Hamilton, the British racing icon with seven Formula One titles to his name and numerous records, experienced what he considers the most significant honor of his illustrious career on Sunday. As the 39-year-old driver took the historic McLaren MP4/5B, previously owned by the late Ayrton Senna, for a spin around Interlagos prior to the Brazilian Grand Prix, emotional scenes unfolded among the fans. Some spectators were visibly moved as Hamilton paid tribute by kneeling in front of the car, reflecting his deep respect for the racing legend.
Dressed in a striking all-white racing suit, Hamilton completed laps in the rain while driving the very vehicle that Senna used for his successful 1990 title campaign, which saw him triumph over Ferrari’s Alain Prost. Hamilton was signaled to finish his laps with the checkered flag waved by Rebeca Andrade, an Olympic gold medalist, as he waved a Brazilian flag in a gesture that echoed Senna’s celebration style after his own victories.
The legacy of Ayrton Senna looms large at Interlagos, where he celebrated victories in 1991 and 1993. Tragically, Senna’s life was cut short following the San Marino Grand Prix in 1994. “It is very emotional, naturally,” Hamilton expressed, gracefully holding the Brazilian flag on his shoulder. “I was revisiting my childhood as I watched Ayrton racing here. I can’t believe I am having this opportunity.” He further declared, “It is the greatest honor of my career to do it in front of this amazing crowd in Brazil.” Hamilton obtained honorary Brazilian citizenship in 2022, a gesture from the country’s congress that highlights his connection with fans in Brazil.
Despite facing challenges with his current Mercedes team, Hamilton humorously commented that he had “the best drive in the whole weekend,” even though he only managed to secure the 16th fastest lap of the day during the morning qualifying session. Heavy rainfall during the weekend forced many activities to be postponed, including the tribute to Senna that took place just prior to the race. “I would race with that car today if I could,” he said. As he prepares for a transition to Ferrari next season, Hamilton currently stands sixth in the driver’s championship.
Earlier this year, Sebastian Vettel, a four-time F1 champion, also honored Senna by driving a McLaren similar to the one Senna piloted to victory in 1993 at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, in recognition of the 30th anniversary of the Brazilian driver’s untimely death.
The decision to have Hamilton honor Senna sparked mixed reactions among former Brazilian F1 drivers. Rubens Barrichello suggested that a Brazilian driver, particularly one who had shared the track with Senna during their careers, would have been a more fitting choice. Additionally, Emerson Fittipaldi expressed his views, deeming it “unethical” for race organizers to select Hamilton for the tribute. Conversely, Felipe Massa, who narrowly lost the 2008 championship to Hamilton at Interlagos, endorsed the decision. “Of course I wanted to drive it myself. But I respect the decision of the Senna family; fans will love to watch a big fan of Ayrton’s like Hamilton driving his car here,” Massa shared on Saturday. “In the end, every driver would cherish that honor.”