Brazil repays Hamilton's passion with lap in honour of Senna - opinion

This Sunday, after qualifying for the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos, Hamilton paid tribute to the Brazilian driver who died in 1994. The gesture was criticised by Rubens Barrichello and Emerson Fittipaldi, with the former drivers preferring a compatriot of Senna's in the action.

In the rain - as Senna drove well and had some of his most historic results - the seven-time champion took his lap, with excessive caution, celebrated by the fans who turned up under a lot of water.

The moment also included the Brazilian flag on board, to the sound of the "victory theme", a scene of Senna's that many fans remember. There were inevitable shouts of "olé, olê, olê, olá...Senna...Senna", accompanied by tears and watery eyes.

"It's very exciting, I was revisiting my childhood watching Ayrton, seeing him drive, winning races. I can't believe I'm having this opportunity, he's the greatest of them all. To do this in front of this crowd, they've been standing in the rain all day. It's a very special day," he said in an interview with Band.

The conditions meant that qualifying was moved from Saturday to 7.30am (Brasilia time) on Sunday, as was the time of the race, which was moved from 2pm to 12.30pm.

Outspoken fan and social causes

Despite the patriotic preferences of some, Hamilton has many reasons to be loved by Brazilian fans and to receive such a symbolic gesture. An avowed fan of Senna, a great inspiration in his career, Hamilton has always shown great affection for Brazil, going far beyond the green and yellow clothing.

The driver's relationship with the country is special, and is matched by the adoration of the fans, who have him as one of their favourites amid the lack of Brazilians in Formula 1. He has been an honorary Brazilian citizen since 2022.

In Hamilton's favour is his distinctive profile, making a point of taking a stand on issues such as racism, the environment, diversity and social inequality, which are so present in the Brazilian reality.

His concern for minorities and the underprivileged certainly plays a part in the Englishman winning his place in the Brazilian heart of Formula 1.