In a deeply emotional moment, Lewis Hamilton took to the Interlagos track in Ayrton Senna’s iconic McLaren MP4/5B, the same car that won him a championship, before the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
For the British driver, it was an experience he described as “the greatest honour” of his career.
The seven-time world champion, who has long seen Senna as his childhood hero and inspiration, described the laps he completed in the legendary Brazilian’s car at Interlagos as not just a tribute but the fulfillment of a dream.
The Interlagos crowd, renowned for its admiration for Senna, cheered Hamilton on from the moment he started the McLaren’s Honda engine.
With each lap, fans showed their appreciation, gathering as early as 4 a.m. despite the rain to witness both the qualifying and this unique tribute.
For Hamilton, the presence of the fans made the experience even more special. “It is very, very emotional,” he shared. “I was reliving my childhood, watching Ayrton race here, hearing that sound, and remembering how he won on this circuit. I still can’t believe I got to do this.”
“It was truly the greatest honour of my career to do it here in front of this beautiful crowd in Brazil, who stood in the rain all day yesterday and arrived at 4 a.m. today.”
“It’s a special day, and I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who made this possible. The love I have received here has been a wonderful surprise. Both my family and I are deeply thankful to everyone in Brazil for the love and support.”
Hamilton’s connection to Brazil goes beyond his admiration for Senna. Last year, he was awarded honorary Brazilian citizenship, a distinction he considers one of the greatest honours of his life. Lapping the track in Senna’s car, watched by his fellow Brazilians, perfectly embodied that unique bond.
“I truly love Brazil and its people,” he expressed warmly. “To be granted citizenship here is such a huge honour. I hope Senna can feel proud. It was the best drive of the whole weekend. Thank you to everyone for pausing to allow me this great honour in my career.”
Although the laps ended too quickly, Hamilton’s joy was so overwhelming that he didn’t want to stop.
“This will probably never happen again, so I’ll definitely cherish this moment,” he admitted, his voice filled with emotion.
“I didn’t want to stop; I took one or two extra laps. That is a real race car—I’d race it today if I could! It would be my pleasure. Obrigado to everyone here in Brazil.”
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