Despite the conventional expectation that surpassing a home driver in the championship might designate you as enemy number one, Lewis Hamilton has, in recent times, attained a god-like status in Brazil.
Despite not experiencing his best season, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion, Lewis Hamilton, faces the prospect of repeating last year’s subpar performance—failing to secure a single race victory. The dominance of Max Verstappen and Red Bull in the new aerodynamic era has left minimal room for competition, with the Dutch driver clinching a remarkable 16 wins this year.
In the midst of these challenges, Hamilton maintains his status as a beloved figure in Brazil, where he nurtures a unique and special connection with the fanbase. This deep affection extends beyond his native United Kingdom. In November of the preceding year, Brazil bestowed honorary citizenship upon Hamilton, prompting the Formula 1 driver to express, “I feel like now I’m one of you.”
The mutual admiration between Lewis Hamilton and Brazil has profound roots, stemming from Hamilton’s enduring respect for Brazilian racing legend Ayrton Senna. Hamilton paid tribute to Senna by donning a helmet inspired by the iconic racer before entering Formula 1.
Among the most unforgettable chapters in Hamilton’s career unfolded in Brazil in 2008. It was there that he clinched his first championship with McLaren in a dramatic fashion, overtaking Timo Glock in the final corner and snatching the title from Sao Paulo-born Felipe Massa. This pivotal moment not only marked a significant milestone in Hamilton’s career but also cemented his bond with Brazilian motorsport enthusiasts.
Hamilton’s success in Brazil extended beyond that pivotal championship moment in 2008. He continued to secure victories at the Interlagos track, solidifying a strong connection with the country’s passionate racing fans. Since Ayrton Senna’s world championship in 1991, Brazil had not celebrated another world champion until Hamilton’s era. While Hamilton may not have clinched that title specifically for Brazil, he undeniably emerged as their next best hero, earning admiration and respect for his achievements on the track and his genuine connection with the Brazilian racing community.
Hamilton’s success in Brazil extended beyond that pivotal championship moment in 2008. He continued to secure victories at the Interlagos track, solidifying a strong connection with the country’s passionate racing fans. Since Ayrton Senna’s world championship in 1991, Brazil had not celebrated another world champion until Hamilton’s era. While Hamilton may not have clinched that title specifically for Brazil, he undeniably emerged as their next best hero, earning admiration and respect for his achievements on the track and his genuine connection with the Brazilian racing community.
The Interlagos track, renowned for its distinctive anti-clockwise layout and unpredictable weather, has consistently delivered some of the most thrilling races in Formula 1. Lewis Hamilton’s victories in Brazil have stood as moments of great significance, and he paid homage to Ayrton Senna by matching his record of 56 pole positions in 2017.
In 2021, Hamilton experienced an extraordinary weekend at Interlagos, showcasing his remarkable skills. He climbed from 20th to fifth in the sprint qualifying race and then from 10th to first in the main race, executing an astonishing 25 overtakes. His final overtake on Max Verstappen to secure victory was nothing short of legendary, constituting a fitting tribute to the legacy of Ayrton Senna.
In recent years, Lewis Hamilton’s bond with Brazil has deepened, evident in his adoption of the Brazilian national colors in both his fashion choices and helmet designs. As he prepares to revisit Interlagos in 2023, the anticipation of rain and potential chaos on the track sets the stage for another exhilarating race. Hamilton, donning the Brazilian colors, is once again positioned to enthrall the hearts of Brazilian fans and engage in a captivating battle with Max Verstappen in his rearview mirror. The upcoming race holds the promise of not only showcasing Hamilton’s prowess but also reinforcing the enduring connection he has cultivated with the passionate racing community in Brazil.
