Lewis Hamilton experienced a unique and unforgettable moment ahead of the 2024 Sao Paulo Grand Prix when he had the chance to drive the legendary 1990 McLaren MP4/5B, the car of his racing idol Ayrton Senna.
At Interlagos, Senna’s home circuit, Hamilton completed several laps in the V10-engined MP4/5B, despite the wet track conditions.
During his run, he even pulled over to collect a Brazilian flag from a marshal—recreating a memorable moment from 1991, when an exhausted Senna raised the flag after his breakthrough win at Interlagos.
After his laps, which he humorously admitted exceeded the number he’d been instructed to take, Hamilton posed for photos on the grid with Viviane Senna, Ayrton’s sister, before speaking to the media in front of an enthusiastic Brazilian crowd.
It was an emotional scene, with Hamilton waving the Brazilian flag from the cockpit of Senna’s 1990 McLaren.
Reflecting on the experience, Hamilton said, “It’s very, very emotional, naturally.I was just revisiting my childhood as I was watching [Ayrton] race here as a kid.
Hearing that sound and… watching him drive here, winning that race, I just couldn’t believe that I just had that chance to do that, and it was really the greatest honour of my career.
“To do it here in front of this beautiful crowd here in Brazil, who stood out in the rain all day yesterday, and then have been here since 4am or 3am this morning… A very, very special day and I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who made this happen.”
Hamilton’s admiration for Senna is well-known, and his connection to Brazil runs deep.
He claimed his first world championship title at the 2008 Brazilian Grand Prix in a dramatic finish and was granted honorary citizenship of Brazil in 2022.
After enjoying his laps in the historic McLaren, Hamilton had to shift his focus back to his responsibilities with Mercedes.
The seven-time champion is set to start the Sao Paulo Grand Prix from P15 after a challenging Q1 exit in Sunday morning’s qualifying session.
