Seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton will pay tribute to his idol, the late Ayrton Senna, by driving the legendary driver’s title-winning McLaren MP4/5B during a commemoration event at the Brazilian Grand Prix this weekend. The occasion, titled “Senna Sempre” (Senna Always), commemorates 30 years since the iconic driver’s tragic death at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, an event that profoundly affected Formula 1.
Hamilton’s demonstration lap, scheduled to occur after the F1 sprint and qualifying session, continues a series of tributes to Senna from the F1 community throughout the 2024 season. Earlier this season, Sebastian Vettel, a four-time World Champion, paid homage to Senna at Imola by driving Senna’s 1993 McLaren, which is part of Vettel’s collection.
McLaren also honored Senna by showcasing a special livery inspired by the legendary driver’s recognizable yellow, green, and blue helmet during the Monaco Grand Prix, where Senna famously achieved six victories.
Hamilton, who has always admired Senna as a figure of inspiration, made his F1 debut with McLaren in 2007 and has frequently spoken about the impact Senna had on his racing career. He has triumphed three times at Interlagos, the very track where Senna captivated Brazilian fans, and was named an honorary citizen of Brazil last year, further solidifying his bond with the Brazilian icon.
This weekend, there will be the Sao Paulo Formula 1 Grand Prix, an event broadcast by Band and Band Sports. And this year, which marks 30 years since Ayrton Senna’s death, the three-time champion will be honored in Interlagos. The “Senna Forever” event will take place on Saturday (November 2). The McLaren that Senna drove to win his second championship in 1990 will return to the track, this time driven by none other than Hamilton, reported Band, a Brazilian news outlet.
In 2017, Hamilton was gifted a helmet worn by Senna after equaling Senna’s record for pole positions at the Canadian Grand Prix. With Hamilton’s recent declaration of signing a multi-year contract with Ferrari starting in 2025, this tribute serves as an appropriate occasion to look back on his career—a career that shares many similarities with Senna’s.
The 39-year-old British driver has shattered numerous records, including overtaking Michael Schumacher in total race wins and pole positions, cementing his status as one of the greatest in the history of the sport.
The Formula 1 action unfolds again in Sao Paulo for the third weekend in a row, where an exhilarating sprint race is set to bring more excitement and extra points. Viewers in the UK can watch all the thrilling moments live throughout the weekend on Sky Sports F1. The only practice session will be held on Friday at 2 PM GMT. Competitive events start with the sprint race on Saturday at 2 PM, followed by the Sao Paulo Grand Prix on Sunday at 5 PM.
The Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace, better known as Interlagos, is famous for delivering exciting races. This weekend showcases a three-way contest for the Constructors’ Championship, Lando Norris’s slim title aspirations, and various battles within the midfield, with two seats for 2025 still available.
Ferrari is striving for its third consecutive Grand Prix victory, but with overcast forecasts and possible rain showers on both Saturday and Sunday, surprises may arise. Kevin Magnussen could also be a potential threat in a quick Haas, having clinched pole position at São Paulo during wet conditions in 2022.
Interlagos features a demanding layout, consisting of a 2.7-mile circuit with 15 corners. The two DRS zones on the back and home straights encourage close racing, while the mix of high-speed straights and heavy braking zones provides plenty of overtaking chances. Past clashes between top drivers have contributed to the circuit’s reputation, making it a favorite among fans.
