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The Sao Paulo Grand Prix marks a major milestone for Lewis Hamilton as the veteran driver reaches his 400th Formula 1 race this weekend. This feat is bettered only by his former McLaren teammate Fernando Alonso, whose appearance at Interlagos marks start number 445. However, unlike Alonso, Hamilton has not taken any time away from Formula 1, meaning his total represents 20 consecutive seasons of intense competition at the sport’s highest level.
A Career of Historic Achievements
Throughout his career, Hamilton has secured seven World Championships alongside 106 race wins and 105 pole positions. He added to his record tally of poles as recently as last weekend’s Mexico City Grand Prix, serving as fresh evidence that at 41 years old, he retains his competitive drive.
Speaking at Interlagos on Thursday, Hamilton reflected on reaching the landmark figure. “It’s kind of crazy,” he said when asked about his 400th race. “I never ever thought that I would be reaching numbers like that. It’s crazy, because I still feel young, and regardless of the things that people say, you saw my pole last week – I still have the pace, I still have the speed, and I still have the dedication, which is most important, and the focus.”
“For me, that number is kind of irrelevant. It’s beautiful to be able to have that here in Brazil. I’ve heard of some photographers who have been there for 500 races. At some stage, that’s probably where I’ll be,” he added.
Praise From Fellow Drivers
Fernando Alonso welcomed Hamilton into the exclusive 400-race club at Interlagos. “Yes, of course,” Alonso stated regarding having Hamilton join him. “I think, yes, it’s a big number. More and more drivers, I think, will join the club with these very long calendars. I think if you race 10 years now, you are more than 250.”
“But yes, Lewis obviously has had an incredible career in F1, and 400 races, all of them in a very competitive position. Congratulations to him, and hopefully a good race and a good weekend for him,” Alonso continued.
With modern schedules featuring 24 races a year, drivers like young Italian Kimi Antonelli could potentially reach the 400-race milestone by 2041. Coincidentally, the Sao Paulo weekend marks Antonelli’s 44th start, a number historically tied to Ayrton Senna, one of the youngster’s heroes.
“He’s incredible,” Antonelli noted. “First of all, how he can still perform at his age, like Fernando at the end of the day. To see him with the same hunger and determination is very cool, and inspirational as well. And it could be a good sign for me. I’m just 20, hopefully at 41, I’ll be still here racing, and competing at the top.”
Enduring Respect on the Grid
George Russell, Hamilton’s Mercedes teammate for three seasons, highlighted the unique character required to sustain such a career without a break. “What he’s achieved on and off track has been incredible,” Russell said. “He’s an inspiration to so many. The fact that he’s not had a year off just shows the sort of character he is, and he is definitely built differently to a number of other athletes around the world. But that’s why he’s one of the best ever.”
Russell also pointed out Hamilton’s absolute dedication to the championship, noting that he does not hold much interest in racing series outside of Formula 1 because he views it as the ultimate pinnacle. Russell added that the current season has likely been Hamilton’s strongest campaign since 2021.
Lando Norris shared similar admiration for Hamilton’s longevity and recent performances. “It’s pretty unbelievable, what he’s been able to do for such a long time, even to now,” Norris observed. “To see him fighting against Charles [Leclerc], and I think Charles is easily one of the best on the grid, insanely quick, and the fact that Lewis is still giving him a good fight, especially this year.”
Norris concluded that watching Hamilton compete at such a high level at his age motivates him to believe he can fight for success for many more years to come.
