Lewis Hamilton says driving Ayrton Senna’s title-winning McLaren in Brazil this weekend will likely be an emotional expertise.
With the 2024 season marking the thirtieth anniversary of Senna’s tragic loss of life, commemorations for the three-time world champion at his dwelling occasion will embody Hamilton driving the MP4/5B at Interlagos on Saturday.
Senna is Hamilton’s motor racing idol, and the seven-time world champion mentioned he “jumped at the opportunity” to play a component within the tributes.
Talking on Thursday forward of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, Hamilton mentioned: “Each time we come right here is a chance to do this, and I feel so most of the drivers additionally do this.
“However I by no means in 1,000,000 years thought I might ever get to drive Senna’s automobile right here.
“I keep in mind, somebody contacted me, my supervisor advised me about it, and I jumped on the alternative.
“Again within the day, once I was at McLaren, I did get the possibility to drive the MP4/4 round Silverstone, which was unimaginable.
“But just the thought of driving that car around here. I remember the races where he was, when he finally won here and held the flag and it will definitely be quite an emotional experience, and I hope people are here to see it.”
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Hamilton and Russell react to their fourth and fifth-placed finishes on the Mexico Metropolis GP
‘It was meant to be a shock’
It was confirmed earlier this month by Honda and McLaren that the automobile during which Senna received the 1990 title would come to the monitor, however the id of the driving force was not initially introduced.
Hamilton revealed he had hoped to shock spectators by protecting the plan a secret, however was finally unable to take action.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
The F1 grid give their opinion on Max Verstappen’s driving model and close to misses with Lando Norris
“I had a helmet made, his helmet, made for me, but I don’t know if we’re using that one,” Hamilton mentioned.
“I think the initial hope was for it to be a surprise. So I had a whole white suit and his helmet and I’d go out and drive the lap and it would just look like it was him out there.
“However someway it bought on the market. It is inconceivable to maintain issues quiet.”
Hamilton insisted he had no issues about working the traditional automobile’s handbook gearbox, citing the expertise of his 2009 outing in one other Senna McLaren at Silverstone.
He added: “It used to be really good when I was younger, and when I did the MP4/4, I was able to do it back then.
“It is one thing I miss. I want we had that in Method 1. I imply, the two-pedal factor is simply not thrilling, and they should carry again the H-Field. It was superior.”
Sky Sports activities F1’s dwell Sao Paulo GP schedule
Friday November 1
2pm: Sao Paulo GP Observe One (session begins at 2.30pm)
4.30pm: Group Principals’ Press Convention
6pm: Sao Paulo GP Dash Qualifying (qualifying begins at 6.30pm*)
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Look again at a few of the most dramatic moments to have taken place on the Sao Paulo Grand Prix
Saturday November 2
1pm: Sao Paulo GP Dash build-up
2pm: Sao Paulo GP Dash
3.30pm: Ted’s Dash Pocket book
5pm: Sao Paulo Qualifying build-up
6pm: Sao Paulo GP Qualifying
8pm: Ted’s Qualifying Pocket book
Sunday November 3
3.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Sao Paulo GP build-up
5pm: THE SAO PAULO GRAND PRIX
7pm: Chequered Flag: Sao Paulo GP response
8pm: Ted’s Pocket book
*additionally dwell on Sky Sports activities Predominant Occasion
Method 1’s Americas triple header concludes this weekend with the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, with each session dwell on Sky Sports activities F1. Stream each F1 race and extra with a NOW Sports activities Month Membership – No contract, cancel anytime
