Lewis Hamilton is a seven-time Formula 1 champion, holds the records for pole positions and victories, and since childhood he has always been obsessed with success. However, this weekend, in Interlagos, his ambitions and feelings take on a different tone. The British driver shared his transformation and recognition that it is possible to learn from defeat during an event hosted by one of the Mercedes team’s sponsors, held at a hotel in the south of São Paulo.
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Faced with the challenges his German team faced with the last two cars, Hamilton rediscovered the value of a good performance that does not result in victory, something he had enjoyed since childhood. “This journey has been enriching for me. I grew up seeking results and celebrating achievements, even if I didn’t win every time. Now I’m rediscovering that essence. When I go up to the podium, I feel renewed and revitalized. Last Sunday, for example… I learned to appreciate a second place”, shared Hamilton, who won at Interlagos in 2016, 2018 and 2021, and won his first title at the São Paulo racetrack in 2008.
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As is customary, the driver was full of praise for the Brazilian public and expressed his deep admiration for his great idol in the sport, Ayrton Senna. “This will be my first race as a ‘Brazilian’, which is a somewhat peculiar feeling,” said the driver, who received the title of honorary citizen of the country after the previous year’s GP.
When asked about his sources of inspiration for staying in the sport even without fighting for the title, Hamilton mentioned two special people in his life. “My father, who has always been my hero and who worked tirelessly to allow me to follow my passion for sport. And Ayrton Senna, who I began to admire since I was 4 years old.”