After Max Verstappen, it was Lewis Hamilton who was asked how he feels about the new format. However, the driver had different opinions than the running champion. The 2023 season of Formula 1 watched a format repeat itself. And while it was no fun for many, watching Red Bull win every race, they had to watch them win the Sprint right before the race.
Fans in the F1 community started believing the Sunday race became too predictable considering the Sprint had similar outcomes.
However, Sir Lewis Hamilton has passed his verdict on the format. For the Brit, the Sprint races hold a special place in his heart. Since his P20 start at the Brazilian Grand Prix, the driver has somewhat grown a liking towards it.
Lewis wants reverse-order sprint races 👀
“The best sprint race I ever had was when I started last.
So I’m in favour of the swapping order. Except if we had that then everyone would just try and qualify last.”
Do you? 🤔#F1 #BrazilGP pic.twitter.com/MJLrpWCPmQ
— Autosport (@autosport) November 2, 2023
The 2021 Brazilian GP watched Hamilton overtake every driver on the track as he turned his P20 start into a P5 finish for the Sprint. However, the outcomes of the season were not in his favor.
He passed his verdict saying, “The best sprint race I ever had was when I started last. So I’m in favor of the swapping order. Except if we had that then everyone would just try and qualify last.”
Although Verstappen spoke against the format that has been followed for the season. The Dutchman has been against the Sprint races as he found no value in it. However, the 7-time champion has spoken otherwise.
From first F1 win to emotional Senna memory: Lewis Hamilton’s ever-lasting love for Brazilian GP
Lewis Hamilton first gained his citizenship in Brazil after being racially abused by Nelson Piquet. However, Brazil soon became his second home race with loving fans who could not wait to see the Brit again. Although it is his home race, the driver has many more special memories attached to his weekends in Brazil. Here are a few of them:
Lewis Hamilton wins his first championship against Felipe Massa
Lewis Hamilton has won seven championships in his career. However, it was the Brazilian Grand Prix that started it all for him. The driver won his first-ever championship at the Brazilian Grand Prix. Hamilton was up against Felipe Massa, in a McLaren. Nonetheless, it did not stop the Brit as he drove to his fullest and won his first-ever championship while still in his rookie season.
15 years ago lewis hamilton won his first world championship in brazil 🏆❤️ pic.twitter.com/HKpiVTxIyg
— eri (@hamxnda) November 2, 2023
However, the star received some indirect help from the Renault team who saw their plans of sabotage go sideways. Nonetheless, it slowed down Massa and gave Hamilton enough time to drive to victory. That would be the beginning of his winning streak, as he soon equals Michael Schumacher‘s title victory.
The gift that left Hamilton in tears
Lewis Hamilton always talked about his love for Ayrton Senna. Ever since he was young, the Brit sought inspiration from Ayrton Senna. He looked up to Senna as his idol and dreamt of achieving what Senna had. However, he was not ready for the surprise that he received when he did fulfill that dream.
When Lewis Hamilton received a race worn Ayrton Senna helmet as a gift from the family after equaling his hero’s number of pole positions 💛🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/maNTLxBVm1
— ESPN F1 (@ESPNF1) November 2, 2023
After equalling Senna’s 65 pole position record which was broken in 2006, Lewis Hamilton received the late legend’s race-worn helmet. The Senna family gifted Hamilton the helmet as a congratulations to equaling his hero’s record. Hamilton was left speechless and on the verge of tears at the gesture.
As he returns to the Brazilian Grand Prix, the driver pays yet another tribute to the legend. With a custom outfit and a helmet inspired by the hero, he has no plans of losing.