On Saturday, November 2, after the official Formula 1 activities at the Brazilian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton will take the wheel of a historic car: the 1990 McLaren MP4/5B, the very car with which Ayrton Senna won his second world championship. As reported by the Brazilian outlet UOL Esporte, the seven-time world champion will close the day’s events with a few laps in the car that is a symbol of F1 history, marking an emotional tribute for Brazilian fans and all Senna admirers.
Lewis Hamilton, known for his deep admiration for Senna, considers Brazil a second home. His bond with South American fans has strengthened over the years, fueled by mutual respect and shared passion for the iconic Brazilian idol. Although Hamilton’s statistics at Interlagos aren’t among his best compared to other circuits, he has still notched two wins, the latest in 2021, along with three pole positions and five podiums. For Hamilton, Brazil has always been a place full of mixed emotions: in 2007, he lost the championship to Kimi Raikkonen here, while in 2008, he claimed the title on the final corner, overtaking local hero Felipe Massa in one of the most thrilling finales in F1 history.
The tribute to Ayrton Senna began even before the race. The MP4/5B has been on display during the weekend’s kickoff event and will be exhibited again in São Paulo’s city center, where Emerson Fittipaldi, the historic Brazilian McLaren champion, will also be present. For Lewis Hamilton, this is an opportunity to honor Ayrton Senna’s memory by driving the same car that allowed the Brazilian legend to triumph in an epic duel with Alain Prost in 1990.
The event not only celebrates Ayrton Senna but also honors the special bond between the future Ferrari driver and Brazil, a country that, though far from his native England, has welcomed and supported the British driver as one of their own.
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