Lewis Hamilton says he will go “all out” as he aims to take his first ever victory in Brazil, something he has failed to achieve in his previous eight attempts.
The 2015 champion has never won at the Interlagos circuit despite securing his first title at the track in 2008, with his best result coming last season when he finished second to team-mate Nico Rosberg.
However he’s hoping to change all that this weekend and emulate local hero Ayrton Senna who took eight attempts until he tasted victory in Brazil, though Hamilton is hoping it’s ninth time lucky.
“Interlagos is one of the real classics – quite short, tough on tyres, with variable weather and a really tricky start to the lap that always seems to bring drama,” he said.
“Then there’s the fans. The Brazilian people are so passionate, fun and outgoing. It’s a vibrant country, full of colour, and somewhere that’s quite special to me.
“This was the home race for Ayrton, so it was a dream of mine to race in São Paulo when I was younger and I always feel his presence when I’m there.
“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 won.
“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.”
