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The Brazilian GP will be a very special race for Lewis Hamilton. A few days before the Brazilian Grand Prix, record-breaking Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton was officially made an honorary citizen of Brazil. "Today I was granted honorary citizenship to one of my favourite places in the world.
I don't really have the words right now. Thank you Brasil, I love you, I can't wait to see you again." On Friday (from 8 p.m. in the Sport24 live ticker) the Mercedes driver wants to lay a good foundation to continue an impressive series in the penultimate race of the season in Sao Paulo.
Hamilton has won at least one race every season since debuting in 2007. This year, the seven-time champion is still waiting for the redeeming triumph. The 37-year-old was close at the last two races in Mexico and the USA, but ended up second behind world champion Max Verstappen in the Red Bull.
Hamilton, meanwhile, hopes to present the Brazilian flag at the top of the podium. Just like last year, when he celebrated one of his most impressive victories after several races to catch up. "It was one of the best races of my life," wrote Hamilton.
Brazil, the home of his idol Ayrton Senna, is "an important part of my own history," he added, recalling 2008. "I won my first World Cup here.
Mercedes wants to overtake Ferrari
Hamilton triumphed a total of three times (2016, 2018, 2021) in Interlagos - and the Briton could benefit from the fact that Red Bull is no longer about records and titles.
Because Verstappen has already reached the record of 14 wins this season, and the constructors' title can no longer be taken away from the team. In the world championship rankings, only the fight for second place is still causing some tension.
Red Bull driver Sergio Perez is five points ahead of his Ferrari rival Charles Leclerc. However, he already has other goals in mind. In the constructors' championship, Ferrari has a 40-point cushion over Mercedes, so second place in this classification is worth millions for the teams compared to third place.
The pilots can also score points on Saturday (8.30 p.m./ORF 2) in the third and final sprint race of the year. The starting grid for the race on Sunday will be determined in Sao Paulo in 24 laps. There are eight points for the World Championship standings for the winner, and next year there will even be six sprint races.