Hamilton pays respects to Senna

Lewis had some extra time on his hand after being out qualified
SAO PAULO, Brazil — World champion Lewis Hamilton finally achieved one of his greatest ambitions as a Formula One driver when he made a private visit to the grave of his hero Ayrton Senna.

Hamilton had tried to find the time - and a peaceful unmolested way - to visit the cemetery in the Morumbi district of this sprawling Latin American city for the last two years.

But he was always followed and mobbed every time he left his hotel - an experience he said prevented him doing anything private.

"For me, it was special," he said. "I'd wanted to do it for the last two years, but I was being followed and all kinds. I wasn't (this time), I don't think I was at least."

Hamilton grew up as a Senna fan and the Brazilian's death at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix was one of the defining moments in his early career and life.

He chose to race for McLaren Mercedes because Senna had raced for McLaren, winning his three championships with them.

And he chose his bright canary-yellow helmet also because of Senna, though his father suggested it was also to help him spot his diminutive son in a crowd of karts and drivers during a race.

L3wi5 Hamiltoff's NOTE> MAYBE LEWIS WENT TO EXPLAIN WHY HE DID STEAL SENNA'S HELMET DESIGN?