Sir Lewis Hamilton will drive Brazilian F1 legend Ayrton Senna's title-winning McLaren in Brazil today: "I never in a million years thought I'd ever get to drive his car here"

SIR Lewis Hamilton will drive his motor racing idol Ayrton Senna’s title-winning McLaren in Brazil today (Nov 2) as part of commemorations marking the 30th anniversary of the F1 legend’s tragic death.

Hamilton said he "jumped at the opportunity" to play a part in the tributes for the three-time world champion at his home event, which will include him driving the MP4/5B at Interlagos.

Speaking ahead of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, Hamilton said: "Every time we come here is an opportunity to do that, and I think so many of the drivers also do that.. But I never in a million years thought I'd ever get to drive Senna's car here."

"I remember, someone contacted me, my manager told me about it, and I jumped at the opportunity.

"Back in the day, when I was at McLaren, I did get the chance to drive the MP4/4 around Silverstone, which was incredible.

"But just the thought of driving that car around here. I remember the races where he was, when he finally won here and held the flag and it will definitely be quite an emotional experience, and I hope people are here to see it."

Earlier this month, Honda and McLaren announced that the car in which Senna clinched the 1990 title would be showcased at the track, but they initially kept the driver's identity under wraps. 

Hamilton shared that he had intended to surprise the spectators by keeping his involvement a secret, but ultimately, that plan fell through.

"I had a helmet made, his helmet, made for me, but I don't know if we're using that one," Hamilton said.

"I think the initial hope was for it to be a surprise. So I had a whole white suit and his helmet and I'd go out and drive the lap and it would just look like it was him out there.

"But somehow it got out there. It's impossible to keep things quiet."

The seven-time World Champion said he had no concerns about operating the classic car's manual gearbox, citing the experience of his 2009 outing in another Senna McLaren at Silverstone.

He added: "It used to be really good when I was younger, and when I did the MP4/4, I was able to do it back then.

"It's something I miss. I wish we had that in Formula 1. I mean, the two-pedal thing is just not exciting, and they need to bring back the H-Box. It was awesome."