In a heartfelt gesture this weekend at the Brazilian Grand Prix, seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton will drive the legendary McLaren MP4/5B, the championship-winning car of his idol, Ayrton Senna. This event, known as “Senna Sempre,” honors the memory of the iconic driver 30 years after his devastating accident at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix, a moment that forever changed Formula 1.
Following the sprint and qualifying rounds, Hamilton will take the car for a demo lap, continuing a trend of Senna tributes seen throughout 2024. A similar homage occurred earlier in the season at Imola, where Sebastian Vettel drove Senna’s 1993 McLaren, a prized piece of Vettel's personal car collection.
McLaren also celebrated Senna's legacy at the Monaco Grand Prix—a circuit where he famously secured six victories—by using a special car livery that mirrored the vibrant yellow, green, and blue of his unmistakable helmet.
Hamilton's respect for Senna dates back to the beginning of his career, having debuted with McLaren in 2007. He frequently mentions how Senna's legacy inspired his own path. His bond with the country is strong, evidenced by three wins at Interlagos and the honor of being named an honorary Brazilian citizen last year.
The upcoming Sao Paulo Grand Prix, broadcast on Band and Band Sports, coincides with the 30th anniversary of Ayrton Senna's passing. To mark the occasion, the “Senna Forever” event will take place on Saturday, November 2. According to Brazilian outlet Band, the 1990 championship-winning McLaren will return to the track, piloted by Lewis Hamilton.
Hamilton's connection to the legend is personal; in 2017, he was given a helmet once worn by Senna after matching the Brazilian's record for pole positions in Canada. As Hamilton prepares to move to Ferrari in 2025, this tribute serves as a poetic reflection on a career that mirrors the greatness of Senna's own.
At 39, the British star has redefined the sport, surpassing Michael Schumacher in both total wins and pole positions to secure his place as one of the all-time greats.
The F1 circus returns to Sao Paulo for its third consecutive weekend, featuring a high-stakes sprint race for extra points. In the UK, fans can catch all the action live on Sky Sports F1. The schedule kicks off Friday with practice at 2 PM GMT, followed by the sprint race on Saturday at 2 PM and the main Grand Prix on Sunday at 5 PM.
The Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace, or Interlagos, is renowned for its unpredictable and thrilling races. This weekend's highlights include a tight three-way battle for the Constructors' title, Lando Norris's fight to keep his championship hopes alive, and a competitive midfield where a couple of 2025 seats are still up for grabs.
While Ferrari is aiming for a third straight win, the forecast suggests overcast skies and rain, which could shake up the grid. Kevin Magnussen and Haas could be dangerous in the wet, recalling Magnussen's surprise pole position at this track in 2022.
Interlagos is a challenging 2.7-mile circuit with 15 turns. With two DRS zones on the straights and several heavy braking areas, it is a perfect playground for overtaking. Its history of intense driver rivalries has made it a fan favorite.