A Lewis Hamilton possessed by Ayrton Senna at Interlagos?
Lewis Hamilton arrives in Brazil with a score to settle against Nico Rosberg, winner of the last Grand Prix. The English driver talks about the Interlagos circuit where he feels the presence of his all-time idol, Ayrton Senna.
The 2015 World Champion has never had luck at Interlagos as he has never won on this circuit, even though he clinched his first title there in 2008. Nevertheless, the English driver still dreams of triumphing at Interlagos to get closer to his hero Ayrton Senna, who won twice on home soil (in 1991 and 1993): « It was Ayrton’s home race, so it was my dream to race in Sao Paulo when I was younger, and I still feel his presence when I’m here. Ayrton Senna was such a great hero in Brazil, and the warm welcome the fans give me here is truly humbling »
He continues his tribute to Ayrton Senna, another triple champion with whom the Englishman likes to identify: “It’s incredible to think it took Ayrton 8 attempts to win here, while for me, it’s one of the races I haven’t won yet. If I can change that this weekend, it would be a great tribute to him and would be a highlight for me this season, so I’m going to do everything I can to make it happen,” he continued for Sky Sports.
For his part, Nico Rosberg hopes to win a second time at Interlagos: « I was quite fast last year, had a good battle with Lewis Hamilton, a race I managed to win. When I stood on the top step of the podium after winning such a tough race, where the greatest drivers have prevailed in front of such a passionate crowd, it was a great pride. I would like to win again, with the aim of providing a good show for the fans and continuing my momentum from the Mexican Grand Prix. It’s always great to approach a weekend after a victory, so I hope to deliver a solid performance ».
Toto Wolff, the team principal, is already pleased with the show that his two protégés are going to offer: “We have two races this season to witness an intense and entertaining battle between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg. The rivalry we have between them is great for the sport, the fans, and for the drivers themselves. They are fighting harder and harder, they help boost the team and provide one of the most fascinating stories,” he concluded.
