“I’ve learned to enjoy second place,” Hamilton says in Sao Paulo.

“This journey has been positive for me. I grew up learning to look for results and savor achievements. I didn’t always win. Now I’m learning it all over again. Today, when I get on the podium, I feel new and refreshed. Finally, Interlagos winner Hamilton said last year. 2016, 2018 and 2021, who won his first title at the Sao Paulo circuit in 2008: “Sunday, for example… I learned to enjoy second place.”

As always, he praised the Brazilian fans and talked a lot about his idol in the sport, Ayrton Senna.

“This will be my first race as a Brazilian, which is a bit of a strange feeling,” said the driver, who after last year’s award was named an honorary citizen of the country. “In 2008, when I won the title here against a Brazilian driver [Felipe Massa]I felt like Public Enemy No. 1. But I always received a lot of affection here in the following years.

When asked about his inspirations for continuing in the sport even without fighting for the title, he mentioned two people. “My father, who has always been my hero, and who worked so hard to keep me in the sport. And Ayrton Senna, who I started watching when I was 4 years old.”

George Russell also took part in the event and was more direct when talking about his plans for the weekend: “We’re here to win.”

The memories are good. He took his only Formula 1 win to date at Interlagos, in last year’s GP.