Lewis Hamilton was given a unique honour at the 2024 São Paulo Grand Prix, as he had the chance to drive Ayrton Senna’s legendary 1990 McLaren MP4/5B around the historic Interlagos circuit. This experience was deeply personal for Hamilton, as Senna was his childhood hero and an enduring influence throughout his career.

The laps were made even more memorable when Hamilton mirrored Senna’s iconic celebration by waving the Brazilian flag after pulling over to a marshal – reminiscent of Senna’s 1991 victory at the same track.

Hamilton described the event as the “greatest honour” of his career, an emotional moment that connected him to Brazil’s rich racing legacy and the crowd who braved the rain to witness the tribute. Driving the V10-powered McLaren, Hamilton said he was transported back to the time he first idolized Senna, making it a powerful blend of nostalgia and celebration. The 7-time F1 champion said:

“It’s very, very emotional, naturally. I was just revisiting my childhood as I was watching [Ayrton] race here as a kid. Hearing that sound and… watching him drive here, winning that race, I just couldn’t believe that I just had that chance to do that, and it was really the greatest honour of my career. To do it here in front of this beautiful crowd here in Brazil, who stood out in the rain all day… A very, very special day and I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who made this happen.”

Hamilton’s bond with Brazil has grown in recent years, having won his first world title in Brazil in 2008 and later being made an honorary citizen in 2022. This tribute drive served not only as a personal homage but also as a fitting connection between two legendary drivers, uniting their legacies at the iconic circuit where each made their mark on Formula 1 history.