Ahead of the 2024 Sao Paulo Grand Prix, seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton was given the very special opportunity of driving the 1990 McLaren MP4/5B of his racing idol Ayrton Senna.
Hamilton completed several demonstration laps in the V10-engined MP4/5B, that took Senna to the 1990 world championship title. These laps were completed on a very wet Interlagos circuit between qualifying and the race for the 2024 Sao Paulo Grand Prix. Hamilton pulled over at one point to take a Brazilian flag from a marshal – just as an exhausted Senna did after his emotional breakthrough victory at the track in 1991. After completing the laps, Hamilton posed for pictures on the grid with Viviane Senna, Ayrton’s sister, before speaking to the media in front of the Brazilian crowd.
“It’s very, very emotional, naturally,” said Hamilton. “I was just revisiting my childhood as I was watching [Ayrton] race here as a kid.” “Hearing that sound and… watching him drive here, winning that race, I just couldn’t believe that I just had that chance to do that, and 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 yesterday, and then have been here since 4am or 3am this morning… A very, very special day and I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who made this happen.”
Aside from his love of Senna, Hamilton has a special connection with Brazil, having won his maiden title here in dramatic circumstances at the 2008 Brazilian Grand Prix, while 2022 saw Hamilton made an honorary citizen of the country. The 2024 Sao Paulo Grand Prix was challenging for Hamilton, with the British driver finishing the race in 10th position, after struggling with the balance and handling of his Mercedes W15.
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