Lewis Hamilton is set to make his 400th Formula 1 Grand Prix start this weekend at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace in São Paulo. The milestone will be reached during the 2026 São Paulo Grand Prix, marking a significant career achievement.
Hamilton, driving for Ferrari, will become only the second driver in Formula 1 history to achieve 400 Grand Prix starts. Fernando Alonso is the only other competitor to have surpassed this figure.
The 2026 São Paulo Grand Prix is the twentieth round of the current Formula 1 season. The main race is scheduled for Sunday, November 8th, at 14:00 local time.
Hamilton joined Ferrari in 2025, and his current contract extends through the end of the 2026 season. He activated an option in May 2026 to continue with the team for 2027.
As of the upcoming São Paulo event, Hamilton has accumulated 399 Grand Prix starts. His career statistics include 106 wins, 209 podium finishes, and 105 pole positions.
He has secured seven World Drivers’ Championships during his 20 seasons in the sport. Hamilton debuted with McLaren in 2007, claiming his first title in 2008.
His move to Mercedes in 2013 led to a period of sustained success, yielding six further championships. Hamilton’s longevity includes winning races across three distinct decades.
In the 2026 season, Hamilton has recorded one victory and six podiums in 17 races for Ferrari. He currently holds third position in the Drivers’ Championship standings.
His sole win for Ferrari this season came at the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona. He also secured pole position at the recent Mexico City Grand Prix.
The Interlagos circuit holds historical significance for Hamilton, as it was the venue where he clinched his first world championship in 2008.
He has achieved three Grand Prix victories at Interlagos, in 2016, 2018, and 2021. Additionally, he has secured seven podium finishes at the Brazilian circuit.
Fernando Alonso, the only other driver with over 400 starts, has competed in 444 Grand Prix races. Alonso is contracted with Aston Martin until at least the end of the 2027 season.
Hamilton has expressed his perspective on reaching the 400-start milestone. He stated, “It’s kind of crazy. I never ever thought that I would be reaching numbers like that.”
“It’s kind of crazy. I never ever thought that I would be reaching numbers like that.”
He also indicated his ambition to win his 400th race. Hamilton views the remaining races of the 2026 season as preparatory for 2027.
He has identified the engine as Ferrari’s primary area for improvement. Free Practice 1 and 2 for the São Paulo Grand Prix took place on Friday, November 6th.
Free Practice 3 is scheduled for Saturday, November 7th, at 11:30 local time, followed by qualifying at 15:00 local time.
