Lewis Hamilton will race in F1’s Brazilian Grand Prix despite fever
Lewis Hamilton will be fit to contest this weekend’s Brazilian Grand Prix despite suffering from a fever.
The newly crowned triple world champion travelled to São Paulo on Wednesday – a day later than planned – on medical advice. He was forced to cancel a sponsors’ event, leading to reports locally that his participation at the penultimate race of the season was under threat.
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A Mercedes spokesperson, however, has confirmed Hamilton, who sealed his third title at the US Grand Prix last month, will race on Sunday.
Earlier this week, the 30-year-old said a win in Brazil would be a “salute” to Ayrton Senna. Hamilton has never won at Interlagos in eight previous attempts.
He finished second behind his Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg last year and, in his final race for McLaren in 2012, was vying for the lead with Nico Hülkenberg before a race-ending collision. Hamilton is hopeful of ending his winless streak at the Brazilian Grand Prix this weekend.
“This was the home race for Ayrton, so it was a dream of mine to race in São Paulo when I was younger and I always feel his presence when I’m there,” said Hamilton, who has spoken of “carrying the baton” for the Brazilian after surpassing his number of career wins and emulating him with a hat-trick of titles.
“He was such a huge hero in Brazil and it’s humbling that I always get such a warm response there. It’s amazing to think that it took Ayrton eight attempts to win this race and it’s one of the few I haven’t yet won myself. If I can change that this weekend it would be a salute to him and another highlight to add to this amazing year, so I’ll be going all out to make that happen.”