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Seven-time Formula 1 champion, Lewis Hamilton took the Interlagos circuit in icon Ayrton Senna’s 1990-title winning car during the Brazilian Grand Prix 2024. In one of the greatest honour for the F1 legend, Hamilton paid tribute to his childhood hero as he took the driving seat in the late Brazilian legend’s iconic McLaren MP4/5B.
The moment came just hours ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix, which was won by three-time F1 champion Max Verstappen. Hamilton, who was dressed in all-white, knelt in front of Senna’s iconic car before taking it around the Interlagos circuit with the Brazilian flag, a gesture Senna famously performed after his victories.
It is very emotional, naturally: Lewis Hamilton on tribute to Ayrton Senna
Speaking soon after his honoury lap around the Interlagos, Hamilton, who was draped in the Brazilian flag, hailed it to be “a very emotional moment”. “I was revisiting my childhood as I watches Ayrton racing here. I can’t believe I am having this opportunity. It is greatest honor of my career to do it in front of this amazing crowd in Brazil,” Hamilton said.
Verstappen breaks Michael Schumacher’s record for longest stint as championship leader
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen took a major leap towards securing his fourth straight F1 title as he won the Brazilian Grand Prix despite starting at P17 on Sunday, November 3. He is now only the five out of 1121 previous world championship races have been won from 17th or lower. With this win, the Dutch not only ended his 10-race-run without a win, he also increased his lead over McLaren’s Lando Norris with three more races remaining in the 2024 calendar.
The Dutchman increased his lead from 44 to 62 points over Norris to continue his domination. With the Las Vegas Grand Prix scheduled to take place later this month, a win there would secure him his fourth F1 title. Speaking after his win in Brazil, Verstappen jokingly stated, “It felt like I was driving a boat” before adding that it was “incredibly important”.
