Fourth World title won’t mean I’m better than Senna: Hamilton
LEWIS Hamilton does not believe a fourth World crown will elevate him above childhood hero Ayrton Senna in the pantheon of Formula One’s greats.
Hamilton has his second shot at glory in Mexico City tomorrow and needs to finish only fifth to beat Sebastian Vettel to the title.
The odds are stacked in his favour. The Brit has finished in 22 consecutive grands prix and, of those races, has failed to finish inside the top five just once.
Hamilton is on course to surpass Sir Jackie Stewart as the only British driver to better three Championships.
Hamilton’s idol Senna won three titles before his death at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix. Hamilton surpassed the Brazilian’s number of victories in 2015, before eclipsing his haul of pole positions in Canada this year.
“Ayrton’s life was cut short and had he had the opportunity to continue and race in safe conditions, he would have won more Championships,” Hamilton, (32) said. “I don’t look upon him and think that I am better because I have more wins, more championships and more poles, but I feel very proud that my name is mentioned alongside his.
“The bucket list at the moment is winning the fourth World championship and then after that it is on to next one.”
Hamilton will have his mother Brenda with him this weekend, while Mexican boxer Canelo Alvarez will be in his corner, too.
Hamilton’s father Anthony could also be among the guests. Hamilton snr flew out to Abu Dhabi on the morning of his son’s championship triumph back in 2014, and he will take a late decision as to whether he is here to watch a probable fourth coronation.