by Byron Young, Daily Mirror 24/11/2011
Lewis Hamilton (Pic: Getty)
LEWIS HAMILTON has braced himself for a backlash from Felipe Massa fans in Sunday’s Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos.
The duo have had a string of acrimonious bust-ups this season, clashing six times with tempers boiling over twice as Massa called for his McLaren rival to be banned for his ruthless driving.
The Brazilian hero even hit the Brit twice on the arm during a live TV interview after the Singapore GP before giving him a sarcastic ‘thumbs-up’, provoking an angry response from Hamilton.
Massa rebuffed Hamilton’s latest attempt at a reconciliation minutes before the start of last month’s Indian Grand Prix – and was then penalised for ramming the McLaren star in the race.
“I am sure there will be a few Felipe fans who will be less happy,” said Hamilton.
“I have no idea what the reaction will be. I just know that I have had great support every time I have been to Brazil.”
Hamilton is revered in Brazil for carrying the mantle of their favourite son, Ayrton Senna, but is equally disliked as the tormentor of Sao Paulo’s current F1 star, born within a stone’s throw of the Interlagos track. Although their rivalry has reached new heights this season, it has rumbled on for years.
Hamilton was booed on the start grid of their 2008 title showdown here and fans then cheered Massa’s victory believing they had a new champion, only to see Hamilton snatch glory seconds later on the final corner of the final lap.
“It was tough here when I was racing with Felipe for the championship,” said Hamilton. “But I think I have growing support. I guess I will just see when I get to the track.”
The McLaren star is hoping to avoid another on-track clash with the Brazilian as he bids to underline his resurgence with a second win in successive race weekends.
It has been 17 months since Hamilton scored back-to-back victories but another win would take his tally to 4-3 over Jenson Button and deliver some compensation for being outrun by a team-mate for the first time in his career.
Hamilton also wants to draw a line under the disappointment of failing to capitalise on his title victory in 2008 as Sebastian Vettel has shot to prominence.
“It has been quite disappointing the way the three years have gone in terms of success,” said Hamilton. “I don’t look at Seb and think ‘that should be me’. That’s the wrong way to look at things.
“I just want to finish the season with another victory.”
Credit: Mirror (www.mirror.co.uk)
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