Skip to content

Lewis Hamilton receives Ayrton Senna crash helmet in Canada

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Lewis Hamilton receives an unexpected - and very special - gift after claiming his 65th F1 pole position

Lewis Hamilton was left "speechless" when he was presented with an Ayrton Senna crash helmet after equalling the F1 legend's 65 poles at the Canadian GP.

The Mercedes driver was visibly overwhelmed to receive the unexpected gift, a present from the family of the late Brazilian legend.

"I'm shaking. I'm speechless," said Hamilton. "Ayrton was the man who inspired me, so to match him, and to receive this is the greatest honour so a big, big thank you to the Senna family."

Hamilton, whose original yellow helmet design was inspired by Senna's, later told Sky F1: "As a kid I'd come home and I'd say if I'm really lucky and I get to Formula 1, I want to emulate Ayrton.

"The fact that I have now reached him in that area, I just can't believe it. I honestly can't believe it.

"I remember coming home from school and putting on the video tape, so it's really strange to think that now I'm here and I have that many poles."

It later emerged that the helmet Hamilton received after qualifying was actually a replica, with the real version from 1987 to be sent to his home in Monaco at a later date.

Also See:

Watch the video above as Hamilton receives the unexpected gift!

Can Mercedes hit back in the 2017 title fight with Ferrari? Don't miss the Canadian GP live only on Sky Sports F1 this weekend. The race starts at 7pm on Sunday. Watch the race for £6.99 on NOW TV

Comment below to get involved in the debate, but please adhere to our House Rules. If you wish to report any comment, simply click on the down arrow next to the offending comment and click 'Report'.