Lewis Hamilton is a seven-time Formula 1 world champion. He holds almost every single record in the sport. As he has mentioned many times, Hamilton does not come from a privileged background. He always said that in his early tears he struggled a lot.
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At a recent fan meeting on F1.com, Hamilton recalled the story of idolizing Brazilian legend Ayrton Senna and looking for him at an awards show after his death.
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Saw Ayrton Senna’s video every day: Lewis Hamilton
The Mercedes driver remembered the impact Senna had on his life. He also said that he dreamed of driving with McLaren and emulating the Brazilian driver’s success.
“I came home and watched Formula 1 and Ayrton Senna’s ‘Racing is in my Blood’ video every day,” said Hamilton.
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL – OCTOBER 18: Lewis Hamilton from Great Britain and McLaren Mercedes appears at the drivers press conference during previews before the Brazilian Formula 1 Grand Prix at the Autodromo Interlagos on October 18, 2007 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Mark Thompson / Getty Images)
“My opinion was determined. I want to drive a McLaren, it’s my favorite looking car and my favorite driver is in it. Then when I won the championship, I got the chance to go to that awards show and I had never been to anything like this before. And when I got there, my father told me who is who because I’m ten years old, I have no idea. “
He also remembered desperately looking for his Brazilian racing hero. “I’m looking for Ayrton, but of course Ayrton is not there because he died the year before.”
He continued the story, adding, “So my father says, ‘This is Ron Dennis over there. He’s the boss at McLaren, who makes the cars you love. ‘ And at that point in time I knew immediately who Ayrton was driving for and for whom I would like to drive. “
Hamilton’s most precious F1 gift
Nine year old Hamilton, who watched Senna’s video every day, would be very proud of the driver he grew up to be. Not only did he manage to make his racing dream come true for McLaren F1, he even won his first championship with them.
He broke record after record and even reached Michael Schumacher’s inviolable record of seven world championships. A certain achievement of the Grand Prix of Canada occupies a special place in the heart of the Briton.
Ayrton Senna from Brazil sits aboard the # 12 Camel Team Lotus Honda Lotus 99T Honda RA166E V6 Turbo during practice for the Brazilian Grand Prix on the 11th (Photo by Simon Bruty / Getty Images)
In 2017, Hamilton secured his sixth pole position in Montreal, his 65th pole in F1. This success brought him to the second most F1 pole positions with his idol Senna. And the Brazilian racing driver’s family were aware of Lewis’ admiration and saw this as an opportunity to present him with an unforgettable gift – a replica of Senna’s helmet.
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Hamilton was overjoyed about this and said, “I’m shivering. Ayrton inspired me to be where I am. To conform to and receive it is the greatest honor.
“That the Senna family sent me this… is the special thing that I have, beyond all my trophies and everything.
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“I am honored to be honored by this family and to be honest, I couldn’t be happier.”
The post Lewis Hamilton recalls an emotional story about finding his late F1 hero Ayrton Senna in 1995 first appeared on monter-une-startup.
