Formula 1

F1: Hamilton thinks Brazilian win would be 'salute' to Senna

Published Nov. 9, 2015 10:16 a.m. ET

Adam Cooper

Lewis Hamilton says he would regard a potential first Brazilian Grand Prix win as a tribute to his hero Ayrton Senna.

Hamilton has yet to win at Interlagos, although he did clinch his first title at the track in 2008.

"The Brazilian people are so passionate, fun and outgoing," Hamilton said. "It's a vibrant country, full of color, 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 Sao Paulo when I was younger, and I always feel his presence when I'm there."

Hamilton passed Senna on the Formula One all-time win list after his victory in the Russian Grand Prix earlier this season.

"He was such a huge hero in Brazil and it's humbling that I always get such a warm response there," Hamilton said. "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, Nico Rosberg, is the defending winner of the Brazilian GP.

"I've usually been pretty quick there and last year was a good battle with Lewis, when I came out on top," Rosberg said. "Standing on the top step after a hard-earned win, following in the footsteps of so many great drivers who have won there, and with the passionate Brazilian crowd cheering on - that was a great feeling.

"I'd love to experience that again, so the aim is to put on another good show for the fans and to carry my form from Mexico into this race. It's always a great feeling to head into a weekend on the back of a win, so I'm confident of a strong performance."

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