While typically defeating a home driver in the championship would make you the enemy number one, Lewis Hamilton has achieved god-like status in Brazil in recent times.
Despite not having his best season, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton is facing the likelihood of repeating last year’s poor performance – not winning a single race. Max Verstappen and Red Bull’s dominance in the new aerodynamic era have left little room for competition, with the Dutch driver winning a record 16 races this year.
Despite the challenges, Hamilton remains a beloved figure in Brazil, where he enjoys a unique and special relationship with the fanbase. This affection extends beyond his home country of the United Kingdom. In November of the previous year, Brazil honored Hamilton with honorary citizenship, and the Formula 1 driver commented, “I feel like now I’m one of you.”
This mutual admiration between Hamilton and Brazil has deep roots. Hamilton has always held Brazilian racing legend Ayrton Senna in high regard, paying tribute by wearing a helmet inspired by Senna before entering F1.
One of the most memorable moments in Hamilton’s career came in Brazil in 2008 when he secured his first championship with McLaren by overtaking Timo Glock in the final corner, stealing the title from Sao Paulo-born Felipe Massa.
Hamilton’s success in Brazil didn’t stop there. He continued to rack up victories at the Interlagos track and built a strong connection with the country’s passionate racing fans. Brazil had not celebrated a world champion since Senna in 1991, and while Hamilton hasn’t claimed that title for them, he has certainly become their next best hero.
The Interlagos track, with its unique anti-clockwise layout and unpredictable weather, has often produced some of the most thrilling races in Formula 1. Hamilton’s victories in Brazil have been moments of great significance, and he has paid tribute to Senna by matching his record of 56 pole positions in 2017.
In 2021, Hamilton had an extraordinary weekend at Interlagos, climbing from 20th to fifth in the sprint qualifying race and then from 10th to first in the main race, overtaking an astonishing 25 positions. His final overtake on Max Verstappen to secure victory was a legendary performance and a fitting tribute to Senna.
Hamilton’s connection with Brazil has grown even stronger in recent years, with the driver embracing the Brazilian national colors in his fashion choices and helmet designs. As he returns to Interlagos in 2023, the prospect of rain and chaos on the track offers the potential for a thrilling race, with Hamilton once again poised to captivate the hearts of Brazilian fans and challenge Verstappen in his rearview mirror.
