F1 update:Lewis Hamilton to reunite with McLaren at …..read more
Lewis Hamilton to reunite with McLaren at …..read more
Lewis Hamilton is set to honor Ayrton Senna by driving the legendary McLaren MP4/5B, the car that secured Senna’s title in 1990, during this weekend’s Brazilian Grand Prix. This tribute comes as the Formula 1 community commemorates the 30th anniversary of Senna’s tragic death at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, a moment that profoundly impacted the sport’s history.
Throughout 2024, several tributes to Senna have emerged from the F1 world. For instance, four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel drove Senna’s 1993 McLaren at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, an event that also featured a track run led by Vettel on the eve of the race weekend. During this occasion, drivers were encouraged to wear Senna-themed attire, including t-shirts and balaclavas, in his honor.
At the Monaco Grand Prix earlier this year, McLaren paid tribute to Senna by sporting a special livery that echoed the iconic colors of Senna’s helmet, celebrating his remarkable achievements, particularly at Monaco, where he won six times.
According to a report from Brazilian outlet Band, Hamilton’s demonstration run in the MP4/5B is scheduled for Saturday at 5 PM local time, following the day’s official track activities, including the F1 sprint race and main qualifying. This event is part of the ‘Senna Sempre’ (Senna Always) initiative, aimed at keeping the memory of the Brazilian racing legend alive.
Hamilton has long expressed his admiration for Senna, having made his F1 debut with McLaren in 2007. Over the years, he has won the Brazilian GP three times—in 2016, 2018, and 2021—and was granted honorary citizenship of Brazil ahead of the 2022 race in São Paulo. In 2017, Hamilton received a race-worn helmet from Senna after matching his pole position record at the Canadian Grand Prix, a moment that underscored Hamilton’s respect for the three-time champion.
In a 2014 column for the BBC, Hamilton reflected on the profound influence Senna had on him during his formative years. He reminisced about watching F1 with his father as a child and being captivated by the rivalry between Senna and Alain Prost. Senna’s composure during interviews and his striking McLaren colors, combined with his vibrant yellow helmet, left a lasting impression on Hamilton.
Hamilton noted, “Ayrton was always very cool and composed when he was interviewed after the race. On top of that, kids are attracted to colors and I loved the orange and white McLaren and Ayrton’s yellow helmet.” As he matured, Hamilton’s curiosity about Senna deepened, leading him to appreciate the Brazilian’s passion for racing.
What Hamilton admires most about Senna is his pure racing spirit. He stated, “It was the fact that Senna was just an out-and-out racer that was most important to me. I can really identify with that. It’s exactly how I feel I am. That’s why I feel I have had that connection with him since I was a kid. I want to race, and I feel like he was one of the only real racers I had seen.”
Looking ahead, Hamilton’s future in Formula 1 is set to change as he announced earlier this year that he will join Ferrari on a multi-year contract starting in the 2025 season, marking the end of his long and successful tenure with Mercedes. This transition adds another layer of excitement to his tribute to Senna, as he continues to carve his own legacy in the sport.
In summary, Hamilton’s upcoming demonstration run in the MP4/5B is not only a tribute to Ayrton Senna but also a celebration of the enduring impact the late champion had on racing and on drivers like Hamilton himself. The event is sure to resonate with fans and the F1 community, honoring the legacy of one of the sport’s greatest icons.
About The Author
