In a poignant gesture, seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton will pay homage to the late, great Ayrton Senna during the upcoming Brazilian Grand Prix weekend. This tribute holds deep personal significance for Hamilton, who has long revered Senna as a "genuine hero" and a guiding light in his own illustrious career.

Reliving the Legends of the Past

Rekindling Roots with McLaren

The British racing driver, renowned for his impressive career with Mercedes, will rekindle his roots with McLaren by driving the iconic McLaren MP4/5B – the very car that carried Senna to victory in the 1990 World Championship. This poignant moment is scheduled to take place on Saturday at 17:00 local time at the legendary Interlagos circuit, immediately following the Qualifying session for the Grand Prix.

Honoring a Fallen Hero

Senna's legacy extends far beyond his three World Championships in 1988, 1990, and 1991. The Brazilian driver was revered for his exceptional skill in challenging wet conditions, his intense competitive spirit, and his fierce rivalries, most notably with Alain Prost. Tragically, Senna's life and career were cut short by a fatal crash during the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix at Imola – a moment that remains one of the darkest in the history of Formula 1.

Echoes of the Past

Hamilton's planned tribute is reminiscent of other recent events that have honored Senna's memory. Earlier this year, four-time F1 champion Sebastian Vettel paid homage to the Brazilian legend during the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, which marked the 30th anniversary of Senna's passing. Vettel drove the McLaren from Senna's 1993 season, further cementing the enduring impact of the iconic driver.

A Personal Connection

For Hamilton, the opportunity to honor Senna is deeply personal. The British driver has been captivated by Senna's prowess from an early age, and has openly regarded the Brazilian as a "genuine hero" whose career has served as a guiding light in his own journey through Formula 1. In a candid interview with Sky Sports F1 in 2020, Hamilton recounted the moment he learned of Senna's passing, describing the profound impact it had on him as a young kart racer.

Carrying on the Legacy

As Hamilton prepares to take to the track in Senna's iconic McLaren, the weight of the moment is not lost on him. The seven-time champion's tribute serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of one of the sport's greatest legends, and the profound influence Senna has had on the careers of those who have followed in his footsteps. In honoring Senna's memory, Hamilton continues to forge his own path, inspired by the spirit and determination of the man he has long revered as a true hero of Formula 1.