Lewis Hamilton to Honor Ayrton Senna with Emotional Lap in Iconic

“Lewis Hamilton to Honor Ayrton Senna with Emotional Lap in Iconic McLaren MP4/5B at Sao Paulo Grand Prix”

Lewis Hamilton is set to experience a special and emotional moment at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, where he will drive Ayrton Senna’s iconic McLaren MP4/5B. The car, in which Senna clinched his second world title in 1990, will take to the track again in Brazil as part of the SENNA SEMPRE (SENNA FOREVER) initiative by McLaren and Honda, marking three decades of the late Brazilian legend’s legacy.

Ahead of the Sao Paulo race, Hamilton shared his excitement and anticipation about the drive. “Every time we come here, it’s an opportunity to honor him,” Hamilton said. “But I never thought I’d actually get to drive his car here. When my manager told me about it, I immediately jumped at the opportunity.”

This isn’t the first time Hamilton will have driven one of Senna’s iconic McLarens, as he previously drove the MP4/4 at Silverstone while he was with McLaren. But he sees this opportunity at Interlagos as something extra special. He recalls the races where Senna celebrated his wins in Brazil by holding the national flag, a powerful image that resonates with him deeply. “Just the thought of driving that car around here… It’s going to be quite an emotional experience, and I hope people will be here to see it.”

Originally, the plan was for the demo run to be a surprise. Hamilton had hoped to wear an all-white suit and a replica of Senna’s iconic yellow helmet to add authenticity to the tribute, making it seem as though Senna himself were taking one more lap around Interlagos. However, news of the tribute event leaked ahead of schedule. “It’s impossible to keep things quiet,” Hamilton joked, although he expressed his happiness at sharing the moment with fans and Brazilian spectators.

Hamilton is an ideal choice for the honor, not only due to his achievements but also because of his admiration for Senna, whom he considers a hero and inspiration. The SENNA SEMPRE initiative is particularly meaningful for Hamilton, as Senna played a significant role in shaping his own F1 journey. “Senna was my idol and hero since I was very, very young. That’s why I started watching Formula 1,” he shared, adding that Senna’s legacy and determination continue to inspire him.

In addition to Hamilton’s demonstration lap, the SENNA SEMPRE event encourages fans to join in the tribute by wearing Brazil’s green and yellow colors. After the lap, the McLaren MP4/5B will be displayed near the pit garages, allowing fans on their way to the Pitlane Walk to see one of the most celebrated F1 cars up close. The MP4/5B, an essential part of Senna’s career, earned him the second of his three world titles and is regarded as one of the most successful F1 cars of its era.

The chance to witness this iconic car on the track is sure to be a unique moment for Brazilian fans, other drivers, and Hamilton himself. Hamilton described Senna as “one of the greatest inspirations” and emphasized how much the opportunity means to him personally, especially given Senna’s deep connection with South America and Brazil.

The SENNA SEMPRE initiative commemorates the impact Senna made on the sport and celebrates his enduring legacy in F1. With Hamilton behind the wheel of the MP4/5B at Interlagos, fans are likely to experience a powerful and nostalgic reminder of Senna’s glory days and his lasting influence on F1 and its fans.