Still taking poles on the way to 400 starts
The 2026 Sao Paulo Grand Prix is set to mark Lewis Hamilton's 400th Formula 1 race start. The 41-year-old Briton will reach the milestone in Brazil, becoming the second driver to do so after Fernando Alonso.
F1's preview lists Hamilton's seven world titles, 106 wins and 105 poles. His most recent pole came in Mexico just a week earlier. Twenty consecutive seasons represent considerable longevity, but that latest pole also gives rivals a reason to discuss his current speed rather than simply his accumulated appearances.
Hamilton says he still feels young and retains his speed, dedication and focus. Reaching 400 in Brazil is particularly special to him. He has not entirely ruled out imagining 500 starts.
What his rivals see in that commitment
Alonso, with 445 Grands Prix already contested, congratulated Hamilton and noted that longer modern calendars help drivers accumulate starts. Remaining competitive is an important part of the achievement. Antonelli, approaching his own 44th start at Interlagos, counts Hamilton and Senna among his heroes and hopes to retain similar hunger at 41.
Russell, Hamilton's team mate for three seasons, highlighted his influence on and off the track and his uninterrupted commitment without taking a season out. Russell believes 2026 may be Hamilton's strongest season since 2021.
Norris pointed to the competitiveness Hamilton continues to show against Leclerc. He sees evidence that winning a world title need not exhaust a driver's motivation: another victory can remain a powerful objective. That helps explain why younger drivers look to Hamilton's longevity when considering their own careers.
Outside projects and cooperation at Ferrari
F1 also revisited Hamilton's work in music, fashion and film. He contributed to Christina Aguilera's song Pipe as XNDA, co-chaired the 2025 Met Gala and worked as a producer on F1: The Movie. In July this year, he and his business partners opened the first flagship store for their trading-card venture in Frankfurt.
The disagreement began on the opening lap in Mexico. Leclerc attacked polesitter Hamilton and both Ferraris ran wide. Leclerc rejoined ahead, while Hamilton dropped behind Verstappen to third. Leclerc received a five-second penalty, and Hamilton called after the race for serious discussion of their battle.
Back at the circuit, Hamilton explained his conversation with Leclerc to Sky Sports F1 after Brazilian qualifying. He had called for serious discussions after their opening-lap fight in Mexico. He now says the two drivers sat down, exchanged views and settled the disagreement themselves, rather than simply having team principal Vasseur declare it resolved for them.
Hamilton says they retain considerable respect for each other. Neither made additional demands; they discussed their perspectives, areas for improvement and how to support one another. The 400-start milestone therefore meets an immediate sporting task: while reflecting on a long career, he still needs cooperation with his team mate to turn the current car's opportunities into results.
