Hamilton says a first win for him at Interlagos "would be a salute" to his hero Ayrton Senna; Nico Rosberg, however, aiming to build on his momentum from Mexico
Tuesday 10 November 2015 10:50, UK
Lewis Hamilton is aiming to cap a season in which he has equalled Ayrton Senna's haul of three world titles by emulating another of his hero's achievements - victory at the Brazilian GP.
Hamilton clinched his first championship title in 2008 at the famous Interlagos venue, having missed out on the crown in his rookie season at the same circuit the year before, but has never actually won the race in eight previous attempts.
Brazilian legend Senna himself won the race only twice in 11 attempts, despite starting from pole six times, and had to wait eight seasons into his F1 career before his maiden home victory arrived.
And now Hamilton, three weeks on from wrapping up the 2015 title in Austin, is keen to finally add his name to the Brazilian GP's roll of honour.
"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 said.
"He was such a huge hero in Brazil and it's humbling that I always get such a warm response there. 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."
After a run of three consecutive race wins, Hamilton had to settle for second behind Nico Rosberg last time out in Mexico as his Mercedes team-mate led the way in both qualifying and the race.
The German also denied Hamilton victory at Interlagos last year and said ahead of this weekend: "I've usually been pretty quick there and last year was a good battle with Lewis, when I came out on top.
"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."
The Mexican GP appeared to do little to calm tensions between the two sides of the Mercedes garage, with Hamilton claiming afterwards that the team were being "extra warm" to Rosberg in wake of their on and off-track clashes at the previous race in Austin.
The team, themselves, however have insisted it's business as usual in F1's most intense in-house duel.
"We now have two races remaining to watch an intense and entertaining battle continue," said Toto Wolff. "The rivalry like we have between Lewis and Nico is great for the sport, great for the team and great for the drivers themselves.
"They are pushing each other harder and harder, pushing the team forward with them and providing a fascinating story."
Watch the Brazilian GP live on Sky Sports F1. Race-show coverage begins at 2.30pm on Sunday with lights out at 4pm. Watch all three days of the Brazilian GP for £10.99 on NOW TV. No contract.
