Sao Paulo (AFP) - Two-time world champion Spaniard Fernando Alonso welcomed, on Thursday, the approaching of British Lewis Hamilton, seven-time world champion, to join him in an exceptional club that includes drivers who have contested 400 races in the Formula One World Championship, during the Sao Paulo Grand Prix this weekend.

Published on: 05/11/2026 - 20:59

At the Sao Paulo Circuit, Alonso, 45, is preparing to contest his 430th race in his career, while Hamilton, 41, will be only the second driver to reach the 400 race barrier.

Alonso said: “Lewis has had an exceptional career in Formula 1, competing in 400 races, during which he was always in a very competitive position. I congratulate him, and I hope he has a good race and weekend.”

“I think more drivers will join this club as the number of races increases in the longer championship schedules,” he added.

During his career, Hamilton raced with three teams, as he participated in 110 races with McLaren, during which he achieved 21 victories and won the World Drivers’ Championship title in 2008.

With Mercedes, he competed in 246 races, during which he achieved 84 victories and won six additional world titles, while he participated with Ferrari in 43 races, during which he achieved one victory.

Hamilton recently hinted at the possibility of continuing his career until his mid-forties, with the aim of running a grand prix race on the African continent.

© 2026 AFP

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