Seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton took to the social media platform X ahead of the 2025 Brazilian Grand Prix with a one-word tweet that quickly went viral. The tweet simply read, “HOMECOMING,” and within an hour, it garnered over 268,000 views and more than 25,000 likes. The Briton’s excitement was palpable as he celebrated his return to Brazil, the country where he clinched his first F1 World Championship.
Hamilton shares a special connection with Brazil, largely because of his idol, the legendary Ayrton Senna. Senna, one of the greatest drivers in F1 history, hailed from Brazil, and over the years, Hamilton has honored him in several meaningful ways. Notably, Hamilton has occasionally worn a special helmet paying tribute to Senna. In 2017, the Senna family even gifted Hamilton a race-worn helmet from Ayrton Senna after the Briton equalled the Brazilian’s record for pole positions.
The Interlagos circuit in Brazil holds many memorable moments for Hamilton. His 2008 Brazilian GP drive stands out as one of the most dramatic in F1 history. In that race, Hamilton won his first World Championship on the very last lap, narrowly beating Felipe Massa by just one point.
In 2021, Hamilton was embroiled in a tense championship battle with Max Verstappen at Interlagos. After qualifying, he was sent to the back of the grid because his rear wing failed to meet regulations, starting the Sprint race in P20. Impressively, Hamilton fought his way up to finish fifth in the Sprint. Receiving a five-place grid penalty for a new engine, he started the main race in 10th but went on to win, triumphing over Verstappen and thrilling fans. In a touching moment following this victory, Hamilton was handed a Brazilian flag, which he waved jubilantly during his in-lap on the way to parc fermé.
Hamilton’s strong performances and deep affinity for Brazil have not gone unnoticed. Ahead of the 2022 Brazilian GP, the Chamber of Deputies in Brasília honored him with Brazilian citizenship, recognizing his contributions and connection to the country.
Looking ahead to the 2025 race, Hamilton revealed in an exclusive interview with GQ Brazil that he will race with a special helmet inspired by the Brazilian flag. This choice is particularly poignant given that his idol Ayrton Senna never had the chance to drive for Ferrari during his career. Hamilton remarked, “It’s a strange feeling, because I remember growing up watching Ayrton and, like everyone else, I always wondered what it would be like if Ayrton was in a Ferrari. And now, for the first time, you’re going to see a helmet with the Brazilian flag rolling around São Paulo in a Ferrari. I hope to make the people here proud, just like Senna and his family.”
Throughout his illustrious career, Hamilton has won the Brazilian Grand Prix three times, with his most recent victory coming at the 2021 race. As he returns to Brazil in 2025, fans eagerly anticipate another thrilling chapter in his ongoing story at Interlagos.
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