Lewis Hamilton said a win in Brazil would be a “salute” to Ayrton Senna as the newly crowned triple world champion targets a first victory in his hero’s homeland.
Hamilton, who has already amassed an unassailable lead in the Formula One championship, has never won at the Interlagos track in eight previous attempts.
He finished second behind teammate Nico Rosberg last year while he was vying for the lead with Nico Hulkenberg in his final race with McLaren in 2012 before a race-ending collision.
However Hamilton, 30, is hopeful of ending his winless streak at the Brazilian Grand Prix on Sunday.
“This was the home race for Ayrton so it was a dream of mine to race at Sao Paulo when I was younger and I always feel his presence when I’m there,” said Hamilton, who has spoken of “carrying the baton” for the Brazilian after surpassing his number of career wins and emulating him with a hat-trick of titles.
“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.”
Hamilton’s teammate Rosberg claimed his first victory in almost five months at the Mexican Grand Prix this month, but it was not without controversy.
Sceptics claimed Mercedes-GP manufactured the win for the German driver after the team issued an order for Hamilton to stop for tyres for a second time despite the Briton wanting to remain on the track.
Rosberg, who is now 21 points clear of Sebastian Vettel in the race for second place, wants to take his good from Mexico, where he also sealed pole, to the penultimate grand prix of the campaign.
“I’m really pumped to get to Sao Paulo and get back out on track after a great weekend in Mexico,” Rosberg said.
“I have good memories from Brazil, too. I’ve usually been pretty quick there and last year was a good battle with Lewis, when I came out on top.”
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