Lewis Hamilton says the Brazilian Grand Prix must stay on the calendar amid doubts over the race’s future.
Formula One CEO Bernie Ecclestone has indicated the race is in doubt for next year despite the organisers having upgraded the paddock facilities for this year.
“I don’t know how it is for these guys but obviously I’m aware of the battle that people are having here with the economy and I’m hopeful that with the things that are going on in the world, that will pick up,” said Hamilton.
“This is a grand prix that must stay,” he added, “it’s a part of Formula One’s heritage, I believe, and it’s one of those original circuits which we can’t lose.”
Hamilton, who is a lifelong fan of Brazilian champion Ayrton Senna, pointed out the race attracts a much larger crowd than others on the F1 calendar.
“The fans are really what make a grand prix,” he said. “There are some grands prix we go to and we don’t have a third of the fans we get here.”
“So for me it’s very important, I hope that it does stay but I also understand that there is a lot of money that it takes to put on this event and it could do a lot of great things for this country and for the people here.”
Felipe Massa, who will start his final home grand prix at the track tomorrow, previously suggested the threats being made about the Brazilian race are a negotiating tactic.
Ed Marques (@edmarques)
12th November 2016, 19:31
That helmet is amazing.
PorscheF1 (@xtwl)
13th November 2016, 11:59
@edmarques Yeah, every picture I’ve seen of it makes me like it more. I wish he continues wearing yellow in 2017.
Kribana (@krichelle)
12th November 2016, 20:05
It must stay, but… The track is quite boring… What makes it good is the unpredictable weather that we mostly get.. However, look at last year, we had an absolute bore fest of a race, the only time I really turned off watching F1 since a long time… If you take the current era and this track on a dry race, most likely it will end up like last year… Of course, Brazil must not lose its GP but the track has just no variations…
Phylyp (@phylyp)
13th November 2016, 1:39
@krichelle – I’m not sure the track is to blame for the borefest, rather its the unholy trinity of DRS, aero regulations and tyres.
Saturday’s qualifying showed that even in the dry, the track has the ability to push drivers to their limit, excite fans and reward those drivers who ace the perfect line. The changeable weather conditions just add to what the track has to offer, by punishing careless drivers.
Add to that the slight scruffiness of the circuit, its rough edges and failings (e.g. leaky press room) all give it that human touch that makes it beloved to drivers and fans.
Compare that to the pristine, sterile and coldly clinical feel of the Yas Marina circuit, which has all the charm of a prostate exam.
bosyber (@bosyber)
13th November 2016, 10:09
I very much agree with what @phylyp says here @krichelle; also the track has a great atmosphere thanks to the many fans (as Hamilton says) and the location is conductive to unpredictably changeable weather – I also like it’s status as, so far, a track where Hamilton hasn’t been able to win – due to unpredictable circumstances (although 2012 with the green carpet hanging off his floor was a bit ridiculous perhaps :)
Tristan
12th November 2016, 21:31
“So for me it’s very important, I hope that it does stay but I also understand that there is a lot of money that it takes to put on this event and it could do a lot of great things for this country and for the people here.”
Hamilton seems to be learning… I’m interested to see what he does with his money after F1. If it’s all gold chains and record labels I’ll be disappointed.
Traverse (@hellotraverse)
12th November 2016, 21:47
He earned it, he can do whatever he wants without any guilt. The only people who are beholden to monetary (or rather fiscal) judgement are public servants i.e politicians. They use public funds (tax) after all.
Tristan
12th November 2016, 21:58
Oh of course he can do what he want with it, don’t get me wrong, wasn’t implying otherwise… I’m just interested to see that especially of late in his comments he seems to be growing more of a wider social conscience. We’re all learning constantly and I’d be surprised if even he wants to do with his money today what he might have 5 years ago.
bosyber (@bosyber)
13th November 2016, 10:11
Actually, he is already doing quite a bit for charities Tristan, though I don’t follow UK-famous-people news so don’t hear too often about it as it isn’t on topic when talking about F1 racing, it usually comes up whenever Hamilton has an interview.
Tristan
13th November 2016, 11:20
That’s good to know :) I wasn’t implying otherwise… It’s definitely a shame it isn’t talked about more within the sport I reckon. I guess it’s mostly contained within each drivers home media?
fay ridd
12th November 2016, 22:44
Lewis can do what ever he wants with his money he’s earned it and unlike. Some other drivers his father had four jobs to help with his sons career so if he wants to sit counting it or burning it he’s earned it good luck to him and his father.spendsoend spend.and enjoy.
PMccarthy_is_a_legend (@pmccarthy_is_a_legend)
12th November 2016, 23:58
Agreed we must not lose the Brazilian grand prix. It is integral to F1s history, it is a great old school track where it is possible to overtake and almost always produces great racing, weather is changeable which always helps and the fans are just great.