Lewis Hamilton considers the São Paulo Grand Prix something of a home race. The British driver, who holds honorary Brazilian citizenship, always enjoys visiting the largest country in South America. Many key moments in his career are linked to Interlagos, and his connection to the circuit runs deep. “When I got my first Formula 1 video game, the season started right here, so I immediately liked this track,” he told journalists gathered in the Scuderia Ferrari HP hospitality area. “It was here that I saw my idol Ayrton Senna win, and also here, when I first came to Formula 1, that I lost a title — only to win it the following year on the very last corner of the race. So yes, I feel a special bond with this circuit, and I hope to do well in my first appearance here in red.”

Solid progress. Reflecting on recent races, Hamilton was positive: “Well, I think we’ve definitely made a lot of progress over the past month or so. Now we just need to keep pushing in the same direction here in Brazil and see what we can achieve. The team is united and in great spirits.”

In Bahrain. Hamilton was also asked about the World Endurance Championship battle, where Robert Kubica, alongside Phil Hanson and Yifei Ye, is fighting for the Drivers’ title in a Ferrari against fellow Prancing Horse drivers James Calado, Alessandro Pier Guidi and the Scuderia’s reserve driver Antonio Giovinazzi, as well as a Porsche crew. “I wish Ferrari the best of luck,” said Lewis. “As for Robert, I’ve known him since our karting days and he’s lived through such an extraordinary journey, beyond just his racing career. I’m sure that if it hadn’t been for that rally accident, he could have won a Formula 1 championship. Seeing him now fighting for such an important endurance title really makes me happy.”