Lewis Hamilton has produced some of F1’s greatest moments throughout his 18 years in Formula 1 and etched himself into the history books as an all-time great.
Growing up Hamilton idolised Brazilian driver and three-time world champion Ayrton Senna, wanting to emulate his success and even sporting the same yellow helmet colour in his early career.
With his move to Ferrari in 2025, Hamilton is fulfilling an opportunity that Senna never had in his career while also attempting to add to his glittering legacy with an eighth world title.
Senna won three titles with McLaren in 1988, 1990 and 1991 and also drove with legendary teams Lotus and Williams in his career.
But the scene of his red and white-liveried McLaren is etched into F1 history, with Hamilton once picking out one classic moment as his ‘favourite’ F1 video in an interview with Sky Sports.
Lewis Hamilton chooses Ayrton Senna 1990 Monaco lap as ‘favourite’ F1 video
Senna was known for his spectacular laps around the streets of Monaco, with rivals often jumping out of the way to ensure that they didn’t spoil the moment.
During the 1990 Monaco GP, Senna was keen to make amends after the 1988 race when he led every lap before crashing out on Lap 67.
His pole lap for the 1990 season behind the wheel of the McLaren MP4/5 was one of the most iconic with Hamilton labelling it as his ‘favourite’ video, as the Brazilian set the quickest time by half a second from teammate Alain Prost.
“It’s literally my favourite video ever. It’s so awesome. I just don’t understand why they can’t make a car like this anymore,” said Hamilton.
Lewis Hamilton drives Ayrton Senna’s MP4/5 at Sao Paulo GP
At one stage it was not looking possible due to the condensed scheduling that resulted from the poor weather conditions over the Sao Paulo GP weekend, but Hamilton was eventually allowed to drive Senna’s MP4/5.
The moment happened just hours before the race, with Hamilton taking part in a tribute for Senna after F1 commemorated 30 years since the Brazilian’s death at the 1994 San Marino GP.
Fans reacted by calling the moment Hamilton drove Senna’s old McLaren ‘legendary’ at the time, as he negotiated Interlagos in sodden conditions.
The seven-time world champion said the moment was ’emotional’ and one of the great ‘honours’ his career.
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