Caramba and Samba with Lewis Hamilton: Circuit Preview

Caramba and Samba with Lewis Hamilton! “Ayrton Senna was my favourite when I was a kid. And when I came to Sao Paulo there first I really felt his presence. It was always a dream for me to race in Sao Paulo. It’s a special race for me”, MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula 1 Team Driver Lewis Hamilton chats about the track in Interlagos.

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The reigning FIA Formula 1 World Drivers’ Champion shows the most crucial parts of the track in the simulator:

Lewis Hamilton continued:

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. Then there are the fans. The Brazilian people are so passionate, fun and outgoing. 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.

Toto Wolff, Head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport:

We came away from Mexico with many positives. On the track, our boys delivered strong drives to claim an emphatic one-two for the team. In the garage and on the pit wall, the crew were faultless – fast pit stops, a good race strategy and two cars which performed well at a new venue with unique challenges. And for the sport, we saw a fantastic event which brought Formula One back to Mexico in style. We now have two races remaining to watch an intense and entertaining battle continue. The rivalry like we have between Lewis and Nico is great for the sport, great for the team and great for the drivers themselves. They are pushing each other harder and harder, pushing the team forward with them and providing a fascinating story. Of course, they are never without pressure from rivals further afield. Ferrari had a bad weekend in Mexico but they will no doubt be a threat in Brazil – as will Williams after another podium finish last time out. This is a race which often brings surprises and never fails to entertain. I, for one, am looking forward to seeing what’s in store for us at Interlagos. Yes, it is really going to be a Caramba and Samba!