Lewis Hamilton hopes to replicate hero Ayrton Senna as he unveils Brazilian Grand Prix helmet

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Lewis Hamilton will compete in his first Brazilian Grand Prix as a Ferrari driver this weekend, something that his idol Ayrton Senna never did in his Formula 1 career.

The Brazilian driver won his home race at Interlagos twice with McLaren in 1991 and 1993. Winning three world championships in his career, Senna had incredible support and influence from his home nation, and his legacy is still felt today.

While he is widely regarded as one of, if not the greatest, Formula 1 drivers of all time, one thing that was missing from his career was driving for the Prancing Horse. Senna never raced for Ferrari, despite considering it a ‘dream’ move.

He wanted to join the Maranello outfit, but not before he won the title with Williams after leaving McLaren in 1993 – he never got the choice as he would tragically lose his life at Imola a year later. Now, Hamilton, who idolised Senna, will fulfil that dream with Ferrari this weekend.

Lewis Hamilton hopes to replicate Ayrton Senna and do Brazil ‘proud’ with new Ferrari helmet at Brazilian GP

The seven-time champion has a special connection with Senna and Brazil, acquiring citizenship in the nation in 2021. Last year, Hamilton drove Senna’s 1990 title-winning McLaren before the race, capturing the hearts of the crowd.

Speaking with GQ Brazil, he revealed that he will sport a Brazilian flag-style helmet at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix this weekend. It will be the ‘first time’ the flag is sported on a Ferrari driver’s helmet, and he hopes to do the fans ‘proud’ like Senna did.

“It’s a strange feeling, because I remember growing up watching Ayrton and, like everyone else, I always wondered what it would be like if Ayrton was in a Ferrari,” said Hamilton.

“And now, for the first time, you’re going to see a helmet with the Brazilian flag rolling around São Paulo in a Ferrari. I hope to make the people here proud, just like Senna and his family.”

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Lewis Hamilton reminisces Brazilian Grand Prix memories as he hopes for a strong weekend with Ferrari

Hamilton has won three times in Brazil in 2016, 2018 and 2021. He has had several iconic moments at the circuit, including winning his first F1 title in 2008 by one point after Hamilton’s last-gasp overtake on Timo Glock to beat home hero Felipe Massa.

He recalled: “My first time here was already a great thrill. It was when I felt closest to Ayrton. I always saw him in movies and on TV as a child. So finally being in his country was something special.”

Talking about driving Senna’s car last year, he added: “Last year was crazy for me because I used to watch tapes of him doing laps on the circuit. It’s a shame the track was wet, it would have been cooler if it had been dry. But it’s always like this here: scorching hot or very wet.

“I hope that, with all the difficult moments we’ve had this year, all of this has prepared us for this weekend.” Hamilton is yet to score a podium for Ferrari in 2025 – he will be desperate to end the streak this weekend.