Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsMercedes

Mercedes confirms Hamilton will race in Brazil

Lewis Hamilton pulled out of a sponsor's event in Sao Paulo, fueling speculation that the British driver was unwell and would perhaps not race in Brazil.

But Mercedes has now confirmed that, although a bit under the weather, the 2015 World Champion will be on the Brazilian Grand Prix grid this weekend.

"He's not going to miss the race," commented a Mercedes spokesman..

"He's going to be a day late... the doctor advised him to cancel the earlier flight so we had to cancel a press conference scheduled today. But he will be with us tomorrow."

In Mexico, Hamilton declared himself particularly motivated to win in Brazil where he has failed to triumph in his eight attempts.

Finally achieving victory at Interlagos would be the perfect salute to Ham's childhood hero Ayrton Senna.

"It's amazing to think that it took Ayrton eight attempts to win this race and it's one of the few I haven't yet won myself," he said.

"If I can change that this weekend it would be a salute to him and another highlight to add to this amazing year, so I'll be going all out to make that happen."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.