Lewis Hamilton is the driver that just doesn’t know when to quit, following yet another spirited drive in the sprint race ahead of Sunday’s Brazilian Grand Prix.
After a disappointing qualifying Friday evening, where he claimed eighth, many had already tipped that to rule Hamilton out of a potential victory or podium.
The seven-time World Champion proved once again, though, why he’s so loved by the Brazilian people, after fighting his way through from eighth to third during the 24-lap race.
He was met by ferocious cheers, especially when overtaking Max Verstappen for P3, as a result of the duo’s titanic battle at the venue in 2021.
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Despite having finished third, the 37-year-old will actually start the main race from second, as a result of Carlos Sainz having a five-place grid penalty.
Staggeringly, it means the Brazilian Grand Prix will have a Mercedes one-two on the front row, with George Russell having won the sprint.
Should Hamilton claim his fourth victory at Interlagos on Sunday, it would be both his and Mercedes’ first win of the season.
For the 103-time GP winner, this would also see his record of having claimed a win in every season he’s competed in continue, a feat no driver has ever accomplished for the entirety of their F1 career.
Hamilton is hopeful that himself and Russell can “hold off” the chasing pack, with Mercedes perhaps having their best chance yet of victory following a handful of missed opportunities.
“I am so, so happy to be here, it has been an incredible week,” Hamilton said.
“This just goes back to everyone back at the factory, everyone working here on the ground who have been working so hard this year. This is an amazing result. To be on the front row is incredible.
“From there, we should be able to work as a team and hopefully hold off the guys behind. We are going to try as hard as we can.
“If we can get some good degradation and some good weather, we could have a good fight on our hands.
“A win here for Brazil would be incredible.”
The Brazilian people are certainly behind the Brit, especially after he was made an honorary citizen of Brazil ahead of the weekend.
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A brilliant poster made by a fan was spotted on social media, with its message set to fire Hamilton up for what could be win 104 of his illustrious F1 career.
“Lewis, don’t ever forget your power,” a fan’s sign said.
“Don’t forget your purpose. Don’t ever forget that Brazil is rooting for you.”