Grapevine: Hamilton brushes off 'jinx' attempt

The McLaren driver was appearing at a promotional event for team sponsor Johnnie Walker in Sao Paulo on Thursday night when comedians threw a toy black cat - a bad luck symbol - onto the stage.

They greeted the stunt with the message: "Hamilton, we are here today to say that we like you very much and we are cheering for you. In the name of all Brazilians who love you, we would like to give you this gift...the black cat."

Hamilton was unruffled by the stunt and said he was looking forward to getting out on track and doing what was needed to become world champion on Sunday.

Speaking about the contest with local hero Massa, Hamilton said: "My relationship with Felipe is great, he's a fantastic competitor and we will race as hard as we can to win. But I don't have to win this weekend.

"I plan to race exactly the same as I always do. I grew up racing the way I do and that's what has got me to where I am today."

Hamilton also made special reference to his feelings about Brazil's last world champion Ayrton Senna.

"Every time I come here I feel a different emotion," he said. "I think it's because he meant so much to me in my life when I was younger and coming up through the ranks. I can feel his presence.

"To be named in the same sentence as him is an honour. I don't aim to be or believe anyone can be another Ayrton Senna. He was one of a kind. But I aim to try to make him proud and be as good as he was one day."