A milestone reached in Brazil
Lewis Hamilton made his 400th Formula 1 start in the São Paulo race on 8 November. He is the second driver to reach that threshold after Fernando Alonso, for whom Interlagos represented start number 445 according to F1’s pre-race feature. Hamilton’s total spans 20 consecutive seasons without a break between campaigns. The milestone reflects sustained participation at the highest level as well as the increasing length of modern calendars.
From 20th on the grid into the points
Ferrari’s weekend was affected by power-unit changes and Hamilton started 20th. The provisional classification places him ninth, with two points and one fewer completed lap than winner Norris. F1’s race report also records a spin for the Briton. His net recovery of 11 positions describes the difference between his starting and finishing places; it does not automatically equal the number of overtaking moves completed on track.
What his rivals recognised
In the comments published by F1, Alonso congratulated Hamilton on his longevity and career, while Antonelli described his determination as an inspiration. Russell emphasised the continuity of his effort and his influence on the sport. Norris highlighted the competitiveness Hamilton has shown against Leclerc this season. These assessments belong to the interviewed drivers, providing a human context for the statistical milestone rather than an independent ranking of his current performance.
The numbers behind an active career
Heading into the anniversary race, F1 credited Hamilton with seven world titles, 106 wins and 105 pole positions. His latest pole had come in Mexico a week before the Brazilian round. APEX analysis: starts measure participation, while competitive form needs to be assessed through pace, results and the car’s context. At São Paulo, a longevity milestone was accompanied by a points finish during a demanding race for Ferrari, keeping the anniversary connected to an actual sporting outcome.
