Lewis Hamilton will be fit to race in this weekend’s Brazilian Grand Prix despite a road accident in Monaco adding to his woes after a recent fever.
The newly crowned triple world champion travelled to São Paulo on Wednesday – a day later than planned – on medical advice. Hamilton revealed via Instagram that he had been involved in a road accident on Monday night but walked away unharmed.
“Dear TeamLH, just wanted to let you know why things have been quiet on social media the past few days,” Hamilton wrote. “I’ve not been well with a fever but I also had a road accident in Monaco on Monday night.
“Whilst ultimately, it is nobody’s business, there are people knowing my position that will try to take advantage of the situation and make a quick buck. NO problem.
“Nobody was hurt, which is the most important thing. But the car was obviously damaged and I made very light contact with a stationary vehicle.
“Talking with the team and my doctor, we decided together that it was best for me to rest at home and leave a day later.”
Hamilton sealed his third world championship with victory at the United States Grand Prix last month.
Earlier this week, the 30-year-old said a win in Brazil would be a salute to Ayrton Senna, his idol. Hamilton has never won at the Interlagos track in eight previous attempts.
He finished second behind his team-mate Nico Rosberg last year, and in 2012 he was vying for the lead with Nico Hülkenberg in his final race with McLaren before a race-ending collision. The Briton also enjoyed one of the greatest moments of his career at the circuit: in 2008 he overtook Timo Glock late on the last lap to move up from sixth to fifth in the season-ending race, snatching his first world title from Felipe Massa, who had won the race and, the Brazilian thought, the championship. Now the Briton is hopeful of ending his winless streak at the circuit on Sunday.
“This was the home race for Ayrton, so it was a dream of mine to race in Sao Paulo when I was younger and I always feel his presence when I’m there,” said Hamilton, who has spoken of “carrying the baton” for the Brazilian after surpassing his number of career wins and emulating him with a hat-trick of titles.
“He was such a huge hero in Brazil and it’s humbling that I always get such a warm response there. 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.
“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.”
