Despite racing at Interlagos on eight previous occasions, three-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has yet to win at the legendary Brazilian circuit located in São Paulo.
Hamilton came close in 2009 and 2014 finishing second on both occasions. Arguably, Brazil has been a ‘bogey circuit’ for Hamilton. A technical issue mid-way through the 2007 Brazilian Grand Prix cost him the drivers’ title in his maiden year while he had to overtake Toyota’s Timo Glock on the final lap of the 2008 race, to win the title at the expense of Ferrari’s Felipe Massa. In 2011 and 2012, Hamilton failed to make the chequered flag.
Hamilton says the Brazilian Grand Prix is a special event for him personally as it was Ayrton Senna’s home event.
“Interlagos is one of the real classics – quite short, tough on tyres, with variable weather and a really tricky start to the lap that always seems to bring drama. It’s a vibrant country, full of colour, and somewhere that’s quite special to me.
“This was the home race for Ayrton, so it was a dream of mine to race in São Paulo when I was younger and I always feel his presence when I’m there. He was such a huge hero in Brazil and it’s humbling that I always get such a warm response there. It’s amazing to think that it took Ayrton eight attempts to win this race and it’s one of the few I haven’t yet won myself. If I can change that this weekend it would be a salute to him and another highlight to add to this amazing year, so I’ll be going all out to make that happen.”
