Hamilton Approaches Milestone 400th F1 Start at São Paulo GP
Lewis Hamilton is set to mark his 400th Formula 1 start at the upcoming São Paulo Grand Prix, where he won his first title.
Historic 400th Start for Hamilton
On November 8, Lewis Hamilton will achieve a remarkable milestone as he makes his 400th start in the Formula 1 championship at the São Paulo Grand Prix. This significant event takes place at Interlagos, a circuit well-known for being the site of his first championship victory back in 2008.
Hamilton's Journey to 400 Starts
Hamilton enters the São Paulo race with a record of 399 Grand Prix starts under his belt. His most recent performance was a strong second-place finish at the Mexican Grand Prix. Currently, he stands as the second driver in history to reach this feat, following Fernando Alonso, who previously surpassed the 400-start mark.
The count of Hamilton’s F1 starts is derived solely from world championship Grands Prix. It’s worth noting that sprint races, qualifying sessions, and practice runs do not contribute to this total. Hamilton faced a temporary interruption in his streak when he tested positive for COVID-19 during the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix, forcing him to miss the event.
The Milestone Race at Interlagos
Hamilton's connection to the Brazilian circuit runs deep, especially as it was here that he clinched his first world title. In 2008, he entered the Brazilian season finale needing to finish at least fifth to secure the championship. Even though Ferrari's Felipe Massa won the race, Hamilton managed to make a crucial pass on the final lap, finishing in the position he needed to win the title by just one point.
Notable Wins at São Paulo
- 2016: Hamilton's first victory at Interlagos came during a rain-soaked race where he led every lap, finishing ahead of teammate Nico Rosberg. This win was pivotal in keeping the championship battle alive.
- 2018: Hamilton triumphed once again in Brazil, overtaking Verstappen after a late incident that affected the Red Bull driver.
- 2021: In another thrilling comeback, Hamilton proved his resilience by fighting through the pack after starting from tenth position due to an engine penalty.
These races highlight Hamilton's exceptional skill in navigating the unique challenges of the Interlagos circuit, noted for its overtaking opportunities and unpredictable weather.
Hamilton's Brazilian Connection
Beyond just racing achievements, Hamilton's relationship with Brazil is significant. In 2022, he was granted honorary Brazilian citizenship, a gesture reflecting his admiration for the legendary driver Ayrton Senna and the support he has received from fans in Brazil over the years. Notably, Hamilton drove Senna's iconic McLaren MP4/5B around the Interlagos track in 2024, carrying a Brazilian flag in honor of the late driver, showcasing the deep bond he shares with the Brazilian motorsport community.
The São Paulo Grand Prix is set to begin at 14:00 local time on Sunday, marking a memorable occasion not only for Hamilton but for all fans and participants in the Formula 1 world.
