Lewis Hamilton’s Tribute to Ayrton Senna: When and How to Watch

Seven-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton is set to pay tribute to his idol Ayrton Senna during the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend tonight. The event, scheduled after qualifying at the Interlagos circuit, will see Hamilton drive the iconic McLaren MP4/5B, the car in which Senna won the 1990 World Championship.

Ayrton Senna became world champion three times during his brilliant career in 1988, 1990 and 1991. Known for his exceptional skills, especially in wet conditions, and his bitter rivalry with Alain Prost, Senna’s career was tragically cut short when he died in San Francisco in 1994. Marino Grand Prix.

The tribute to Hamilton is an important part of wider Senna memorial events this year, including at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, where Sebastian Vettel drove the 1993 McLaren. These events not only honor Senna, but also remember Roland Ratzenberger, who also died during the same fateful 1994 race weekend.

The tribute to Hamilton will be broadcast on platforms such as YouTube at 17:15 local time (20:15 GMT). The tribute will also be broadcast on Sky Sports F1.

Hamilton openly admired Senna and spoke of the influence he had on his racing career. Speaking to the media Ahead of the race weekend, the seven-time champion explained:

“Every time we come here it’s an opportunity to do that, and I think a lot of riders do that too.

“But I never in a million years thought I would ever get to drive Senna’s car here. I remember someone contacted me, my manager told me about it and I jumped at the opportunity. When I was at McLaren I had the opportunity to drive the MP4/4 at Silverstone and it was incredible.”

He continued:

“Just the thought of driving this car here… I remember the race when he finally won here and holding the flag. It’s definitely going to be quite an emotional experience and I hope people here get to see it. I made a helmet, made his helmet, I don’t know if we use it.

“I think the original hope was that it would be a surprise: I would put on an all-white suit and his helmet and go out and do a lap and it would look like it was him, but somehow it came out. . It’s impossible to remain silent!”