Hamilton Set for 400th Grand Prix at Interlagos, With Schumacher's Venue Record in Sight

Lewis Hamilton is about to join one of Formula 1's most exclusive clubs. When the lights go out at Interlagos on Sunday, the seven-time world champion will contest his 400th grand prix, becoming only the second driver ever to reach the mark after Fernando Alonso, who is set for his 448th entry at the same race. Hamilton's journey began at the 2007 Australian Grand Prix, and remarkably he has started every race he has been entered for since, building a record of 399 starts without a single withdrawal. The numbers behind that longevity are staggering: 106 victories, 105 pole positions, 70 fastest laps, 209 podium finishes and more than 5,277 points, with over 5,500 laps led. Interlagos is a fitting stage for the milestone. Hamilton has won there three times, in 2016, 2018 and 2021, and one more triumph would draw him level with Michael Schumacher's record of four wins at the circuit. He arrives in strong form too, having taken pole in Mexico last weekend, his first since Hungary in 2023. Beyond the celebration, there is still plenty at stake: Hamilton trails Max Verstappen by two points in the fight for second in the championship, while Mercedes can seal the constructors' title by outscoring Ferrari by three points.