“Emotional” Hamilton will drive Senna’s title-winning McLaren in Brazil

Lewis Hamilton will get behind the wheel of Ayrton Senna’s McLaren MP4/5B - the car with which the Brazilian legend won his second title in 1990 - betwixt his F1 duties at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix this weekend.

Senna was Hamilton’s boyhood hero, of course, and he’s established a deep connection with the Brazilian fans ever since he won his first world championship at Interlagos.

Actually, let us rephrase that: in the aftermath of winning his first world championship, given he pipped local favourite Felipe Massa to the crown on the penultimate corner of the race in 2008 and the fans were, er, a bit gutted about it. Anyway, he's an honorary citizen now, so water under the bridge and all that...

“I never in a million years thought I’d get to drive Senna’s car here,” said Lewis. “When my manager told me about it, 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 round here… I remember the race when he finally won here and held the flag. It will definitely be quite an emotional experience.”

Hamilton’s involvement was meant to be a surprise, with a Senna-esque white suit and helmet readied just for the occasion. “But, somehow it got out there!” Hamilton explained. “It’s impossible to keep things quiet.”

Technology has come a long way since 1990 (duh), which means Hamilton will have to adjust to a manual gearbox when he climbs into the cockpit. Oh, and a clutch pedal.

“I used to be really good (at heel and toe-ing) when I was younger, and when I drove the MP4/4 I was able to do it back then. It’s something I miss. I wish we had that in Formula 1. The two pedal thing is just not exciting. They need to bring back the H-box, it was awesome.”

Come on F1, let's swap it in exchange for DRS...