Lewis Hamilton to honor Ayrton Senna by driving iconic 1990 McLaren at Interlagos
Lewis Hamilton finished second in the Belgian GP but was handed the win when Mercedes teammate George Russell was disqualified. Photo: AFP
MP4/5B at Brazil’s Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace on Saturday, November 2, following on-track Sprint and Qualifying events. Known for his admiration of Senna, Hamilton will drive the vehicle that earned Senna his second world title, paying homage to the Brazilian legend at Interlagos. The event, highlighted by Brazilian news outlet UOL Esporte, marks a special tribute on home soil for the late Senna, whom fans nicknamed "Magic."
Hamilton's laps in Senna’s car represent the final act in a broader tribute. The vehicle, bearing Senna’s #27, was showcased at the race weekend presentation yesterday and will appear today at a São Paulo event attended by 1974 McLaren world champion Emerson Fittipaldi. This rare opportunity for Hamilton is a testament to his respect for Senna, often cited as his role model. "I’ve always looked up to him," Hamilton once shared, reflecting on Senna’s influence on his own career.
The MP4/5B remains one of McLaren’s most celebrated models, symbolizing an intense period in F1 marked by the rivalry between Senna and Alain Prost, who had recently joined Ferrari after his 1989 championship win with McLaren. This Saturday’s tribute adds emotional weight, both for Hamilton and Senna fans, as the driver known for his own seven world titles takes on the track with a car that defined Senna's legacy.
The Sprint and Qualifying events will begin at 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. CET respectively, culminating in Hamilton’s tribute drive. Fans can look forward to a memorable weekend celebrating the enduring impact of one of Formula 1’s greatest champions.