Why Lewis Hamilton once felt he had a ‘connection’ with F1 legend Ayrton Senna

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Lewis Hamilton is a hero of the current generation of Formula 1 drivers and has generated a lot of interest since completing a move to Ferrari.

The Brit has moved to the Scuderia in a bid to claim an eighth Drivers’ Championship and elevate himself above every driver in the history of the sport.

Hamilton is currently tied with Michael Schumacher for the most titles but has been out of contention for anything of note recently after Mercedes hit some poor form, prompting a move to Ferrari.

The 2025 season promises to be one of the closest affairs in Formula 1 history, with the top four teams separated by little at the end of last year.

Over 1,000 Ferrari fans arrived at Fiorano to see Hamilton’s first Ferrari laps this week, showing just how popular his move to Italy is already.

He has been busy behind the scenes preparing for the season-opening Australian Grand Prix by conducting some simulator work and meeting his new colleagues – an important week for all involved.

Lewis Hamilton admitted to ‘connection’ with Brazilian F1 legend Ayrton Senna

Growing up, many children dream of driving a red Formula 1 car and becoming world champion for the famous Italian team.

Hamilton’s favourite driver growing up was Ayrton Senna who he admired greatly before he died in an accident at the San Marino Grand Prix in 1994.

READ MORE: Lewis Hamilton shares Ayrton Senna’s view on his new Formula 1 team Ferrari

Speaking for BBC Sport during his second title-winning season back in 2014, he mentioned how he felt a connection to the Brazilian star.

“I put it down to a few factors: the connection I felt with Senna; perhaps the way I drive – some people have said that some of the things I do in the car resembled what he used to do,” he said.

“And the fact that I wear my heart on my sleeve and people can sense my passion for what I do – and I hope that speaks to the fans here.

“The race here always has such a great atmosphere. Hopefully, I can make it six wins in a row this weekend. It would mean a lot.”

What sort of challenge does Lewis Hamilton face at Ferrari in 2025?

Ferrari have rectified one of Hamilton’s Mercedes problems already after the seven-time champion pleaded with the Silver Arrows to change his seating position for two years.

The confidence boost it could give him should help to generate some extra speed and bring him closer to new teammate Charles Leclerc.

READ MORE: Kimi Raikkonen once slated Ferrari fans for what they did to Lewis Hamilton at the Italian Grand Prix

The Monegasque driver has a big headstart over Hamilton, having accrued six seasons of experience with the Scuderia already.

Hamilton already broke Leclerc’s Italian GP record with his first official Ferrari social media post this week, and he will be hoping to knock off a few more accomplishments this season.

It will all come down to how soon he can get comfortable in their car and challenge the likes of Leclerc, McLaren and Red Bull for victories.