Lewis Hamilton is set to achieve a significant career milestone this weekend, making his 400th Formula 1 Grand Prix start at the São Paulo Grand Prix in Interlagos. The event on Sunday, November 8, 2026, marks Hamilton as only the second driver in the sport’s history to reach this figure.
Hamilton, driving for Ferrari, arrives at Interlagos with a record of 399 Grand Prix starts, 106 victories, and seven world championships. He also holds 105 pole positions and 209 podium finishes.
Fernando Alonso was the first driver to surpass 400 Grand Prix starts, reaching the milestone in 2024. Alonso will make his 445th start at the current São Paulo Grand Prix.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari occurred in 2025, and his current contract with the Scuderia extends through the 2026 season. Reports indicate an option for a 2027 extension, which is at the driver’s discretion.
The 2026 season has seen Hamilton secure one victory and six podium finishes for Ferrari across 18 rounds. He currently holds third position in the Drivers’ Championship with 241 points.
His most recent pole position was achieved last weekend at the Mexico City Grand Prix, where he finished second. Hamilton leads teammate Charles Leclerc by eight points in the intra-team standings.
Interlagos holds historical significance for Hamilton, as it was the circuit where he secured his maiden world championship title in 2008. He has previously won three Grands Prix at this venue: in 2016, 2018, and 2021.
The 2026 São Paulo Grand Prix presents a challenging grid for Hamilton, who is provisionally starting 20th due to power-unit changes. Teammate Leclerc is 14th following a ten-place penalty.
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli secured the Drivers’ Championship last week in Mexico City. The São Paulo Grand Prix offers Mercedes an opportunity to clinch the Constructors’ Championship if they outscore Ferrari by three points.
Hamilton’s career is marked by several notable victories. The 2008 British Grand Prix at Silverstone saw him dominate in torrential rain, demonstrating exceptional car control. He qualified fourth but found superior grip in the wet conditions.
At the 2021 São Paulo Grand Prix, Hamilton recovered from a qualifying disqualification and subsequent grid penalties. He started tenth and secured the win, notably overtaking Max Verstappen.
The 2020 Turkish Grand Prix featured a technically demanding drive where Hamilton managed a single set of intermediate tyres for 50 laps on a drying track. This performance secured his seventh world title.
His 2018 German Grand Prix victory at Hockenheim involved a recovery from 14th on the grid. He capitalized on a late safety car period and Sebastian Vettel’s retirement from the lead.
The 2024 British Grand Prix at Silverstone ended a 945-day winless streak for Hamilton, marking his first victory since the 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. This was his ninth win at Silverstone, establishing a record for the most victories at a single circuit.
Earlier this season, Hamilton secured his first victory for Ferrari at the 2026 Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix. This win was his 106th career triumph.
At 41 years old, Hamilton became the oldest Grand Prix winner since Jack Brabham in 1970 with his Barcelona victory. The race also produced the first all-British podium since 1968, with George Russell and Lando Norris joining him.
