Hamilton: Senna record an emotional milestone
Lewis Hamilton has admitted that if he matches Ayrton Senna's win record in Formula 1 in Singapore this weekend it will mark an emotional milestone for him in his career.
The Mercedes driver could equal Senna's tally of 41 wins on Sunday, which will also have him match the 161 race starts that the late Brazilian competed in.
Hamilton, who was a fan of Senna as he grew up, said that he had always targetting the achievements of his hero, so confessed that delivering the result would be a big thing for him.
"I am focused on trying to do the same job as the last race but it is kind of a milestone that I am approaching in my career," said Hamilton, during an appearance at an Epson promotional event in Singapore on Thursday.
"I always wanted to emulate Ayrton Senna and I am very close to the races he did, just one race away, and one from the races he won.
"But I don't feel under any particular pressure this weekend. I would imagine if I was to achieve the same amount at some stage, even this weekend, it would be very emotional."
Career matching
Hamilton said he was only aware of how close his career tallied with the numbers of Senna after the Italian Grand Prix.
"After the last race I was only notified how many races I had done, and to see that almost correlate with the career that Ayrton did, I couldn't believe it," he explained. "I didn't know that or what course I was on. It feels pretty amazing.
"As a kid, I set my goal on something and achieved it. I think now I am set on that goal, and very close. It may or may not happen this weekend, I still have a serious challenge ahead of me, but it feels great to be up there."
No extra pressure
Despite a lot of questioning about Senna's record, Hamilton was clear that his focus remains on the world championship rather than an all out push for the win.
"I am here fighting for the world championship, that is my focus," he said. "I am not here focusing on what Senna achieved and what I achieved.
"I am here to win the race; I will do the best I can to win the world championship. There is no more pressure this weekend."
How they compare
| Senna | Hamilton | |
| Starts | 161 | 160 |
| Titles | 3 | 2 |
| Wins | 41 | 40 |
| Pole positions | 65 | 49 |
| Podiums | 80 | 81 |
| Fastest laps | 19 | 25 |
| Points | 610 | 1738 |
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