Lewis Hamilton says that claiming a breakthrough victory in Brazil this weekend would be the perfect nod to his idol Ayrton Senna.
Fans and Ayrton Sennna fans. Formula One World Championship, Rd18, Brazilian Grand Prix, Race, Sao Paulo, Brazil, Sunday 9 November 2014.
This was the home race for Ayrton - he was such a huge hero in Brazil. I always feel his presence when I'm there
Lewis Hamilton on racing at Interlagos
Hamilton moved level with Senna on three world championship crowns this year, while his most recent victory, in the United States, was the 43rd of the Briton’s F1 career - two ahead of Senna. Hamilton is still chasing a first win at Interlagos, however - a race he describes as 'special' because of his reverence for Senna.
"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."
With Hamilton's current team mate Nico Rosberg "confident of a strong performance" in Brazil - a race in which he bested Hamilton last year - head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport Toto Wolff says it will be fascinating to see which of the team's drivers prevail.
"The rivalry between Lewis and Nico is great for the sport, great for the team and great for the drivers themselves," Wolff said. "They are pushing each other harder and harder, pushing the team forward with them and providing a fascinating story.
"This is a race which often brings surprises and never fails to entertain. I, for one, am looking forward to seeing what's in store for us at Interlagos."
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