Lewis Hamilton, seven-time Formula One champion, recently paid tribute to the late Ayrton Senna by driving the McLaren MP4-5B that the Brazilian driver won his second F1 world title with in 1990. The emotional moment took place at Interlagos ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix in Sao Paulo. Hamilton, who considers it the greatest honor of his career, knelt in front of Senna’s car, bringing tears to the eyes of some fans in the stands. Dressed in an all-white racing suit, Hamilton took laps in the rain in the historic vehicle as a mark of respect to the legendary driver.
After being shown the checkered flag by gymnast Rebeca Andrade and carrying a Brazilian flag, Hamilton expressed his emotions about the experience. He reminisced over watching Senna race in his childhood and how surreal it felt to be driving his hero’s car in Brazil. Hamilton, who became an honorary Brazilian citizen in 2022, described the moment as one of the highlights of his life. Despite his struggles with Mercedes this season, Hamilton cherished the opportunity to honor Senna and his legacy at the iconic Interlagos circuit.
The tribute to Senna, who tragically passed away in 1994, holds significant emotional value for fans who remember the impact he had on the sport. Many like Luciane D’Angelo, who grew up watching F1 with her father, felt a strong connection to Senna and his ability to bring families together on race days. Hamilton’s drive in Senna’s car evoked powerful emotions among fans who viewed the moment as a fitting tribute to the Brazilian racing icon. While some former Brazilian drivers questioned the choice of Hamilton, others like Felipe Massa supported the decision, acknowledging the significance of having a devoted fan like Hamilton honor Senna.
The ceremony at Interlagos brought back memories of Senna’s victories at the circuit in 1991 and 1993, further cementing his legacy in Formula One history. Hamilton’s gesture of driving Senna’s car symbolized a passing of the torch from one legendary driver to another, showcasing the respect and admiration he holds for his idol. Despite facing challenges on the track this season, Hamilton’s drive in Senna’s car marked a moment of reverence and appreciation for the impact the Brazilian driver had on the sport.
While some critics raised concerns about the choice of driver for the tribute, the overwhelming sentiment among fans and fellow drivers was one of respect and admiration for the gesture. Hamilton’s drive in Senna’s car stood as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy left by the three-time champion and his influence on the world of motorsport. As the Brazilian Grand Prix unfolded with Hamilton starting in the 14th position, the tribute to Senna served as a reminder of the rich history and emotional connections that make Formula One a sport unlike any other.
