Lewis driven on by hero Senna's death

Hamilton shed tears on May Day 1994 when he learned how Senna was killed competing in the San Marino Grand Prix at Imola. But far from the tragedy deterring him from pursuing a career on the track, Hamilton said it fuelled his desire to be the best behind the wheel of a racing car.

Fate has conspired to offer the 22-year-old British rookie the chance to clinch the Formula One championship in this weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix at the Interlagos circuit where Senna was idolised by his home fans.

And Hamilton, who sports a crash helmet painted in the same distinctive yellow hue worn by Senna, is bound to have those same supporters on his side when he speeds into a three-way duel for the title against McLaren teammate Fernando Alonso and Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen.

It is amazing to consider how far Hamilton has come since the kart meeting where he was told Senna had succumbed to a serious head injury when his Williams smashed into a wall.

He said: "I was nine when he died, and he was my hero. It hit me hard. I never liked to show emotion in front of my dad, so I went behind the trailer and cried. That was the turning point in my life. It made me understand I needed to make the most of my talent."

Within a year, Hamilton won a British Cadet karting championship followed by a series of victories that caught the eye of Ron Dennis, the McLaren team owner with whom Senna claimed his three drivers' titles.

Hamilton said: "I always looked up to Senna, mainly because I loved the way he was driving, his style and he was very cool at the circuit. I also loved the way he was dicing with people, and also that he was racing for McLaren - that was my favourite car, the red and white one. I got his videos and books, and I learned a lot from those. Now I am so proud to be racing for McLaren because that's who Senna raced for. In a way, I am continuing his legacy."

Pit lane observers claim there is a similarity between Hamilton and Senna in their style and commitment.

Damon Hill, who was Senna's teammate at Williams, said: "Lewis wants his success so badly that he reminds me of Senna's absolute desire to win under any circumstances."

ITV's Grand Prix analyst Martin Brundle raced against Senna in F3 and F1. He has noted how Hamilton can speed through a corner in much the same way as Senna did.

Brundle said: "The most remarkable thing about Lewis's driving is how comfortable he is having the car moving around him but still moving forwards. Very, very few drivers have it.

"To be able to carry momentum like Lewis does around the corner, with the car out of line, is gold dust." Emerson Fittipaldi, the Brazilian who won McLaren's first drivers' title in 1974, was impressed by how Hamilton claimed his maiden victory in Canada.

He said: "Every lap Hamilton turned the steering wheel in the same place. He just made the initial turn-in and then he drove with the throttle, drifting the car. It was outstanding. Brake, turn, drift, throttle. Incredible control, amazing."

Sometime after Sunday's championship climax, Hamilton says he will try to make a pilgrimage to Senna's grave in the Morumbi cemetery not far from the Interlagos track.

"That's definitely something I'd like to do," he said. "I'll find it emotional and moving to go there."

It will only add to the poignancy of the moment if Hamilton takes with him the F1 championship.