Lewis Hamilton has said Sunday’s Singapore Grand Prix will be “very emotional” if he manages to equal the 41 victories achieved by Ayrton Senna.
The great Brazilian has been Hamilton’s idol since childhood and this weekend the Briton has the chance to match the record in his 161st start – the same number that Senna had when he was killed at Imola in 1994. If Hamilton wins on Sunday he will trail only Michael Schumacher (91) and Alain Prost (51) in terms of most race victories.
He said here on Thursday: “I always wanted to emulate Ayrton Senna and I am very close to the races he did, just one race away, and one from the races he won.
“But I don’t feel under any particular pressure this weekend. I would imagine if I was to achieve the same amount at some stage, even this weekend, it would be very emotional.”
Hamilton has been utterly dominant this season, with 11 poles out of 12 and seven victories. He leads his only rival for the world championship, Nico Rosberg, by 53 points with seven races remaining after winning the Italian Grand Prix while his Mercedes team-mate failed to finish.
Hamilton added: “I am focused on trying to do the same job as the last race but it is a milestone that I am approaching in my career.”
