Lewis Hamilton 400th Formula 1 start Sao Paulo Grand Prix, Digi Mart USA News: The Sao Paulo Grand Prix marks a milestone for Lewis Hamilton, as the Ferrari driver reaches his 400th Formula 1 race this weekend.
Only former McLaren teammate Fernando Alonso has more starts, and Interlagos will be his 445th. Unlike Alonso, Hamilton has not taken time out from F1, so his total reflects 20 continuous seasons of intense competition at the highest level.
Along the way Hamilton has won the World Championship seven times and recorded 106 wins and 105 pole positions. He added to the pole total as recently as last weekend’s Mexico City Grand Prix.
Speaking at Interlagos on Thursday, Hamilton, who is 41, said he never expected to reach such a number. “It’s kind of crazy, because I still feel young,” he said.
“I still have the pace, I still have the speed, and I still have the dedication, which is most important, and the focus.”
He added that the number itself is less important to him. “For me, that number is kind of irrelevant.
It’s beautiful to be able to have that here in Brazil,” he said.
Alonso praised his former teammate’s career. “Yes, of course,” he said when asked about Hamilton joining the 400 Club.
“Lewis obviously has had an incredible career in F1, and 400 races, all of them in a very competitive position. Congratulations to him.”
New World Champion Kimi Antonelli, who is 20, could reach 400 starts as early as 2041 at 24 races a year. Interlagos is his 44th start, a number associated with Ayrton Senna, one of his heroes.
Antonelli called Hamilton “incredible” and said it was a privilege to race against him.
Mercedes teammate George Russell, who spent three seasons alongside Hamilton, praised his character. “He loves racing, he loves F1,” Russell said.
“And this season has probably been his best season in F1 since 2021.”
Outgoing World Champion Lando Norris also commented on Hamilton’s form in 2026. “It’s pretty unbelievable, what he’s been able to do for such a long time, even to now,” Norris said, adding that Hamilton’s ongoing battle with Charles Leclerc has been impressive.
