Lewis Hamilton made honorary citizen of Brazil

Seven-time Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton has been announced as an honorary citizen of Brazil after a bill was passed by the Congress in the Lower House of Parliament in Brazil. 

The suggestion was first made in November 2021 by Congressman André Figueiredo following Hamilton’s stunning win at Interlagos. Post the win, Hamilton draped the Brazilian flag around him and even celebrated with the local fans.

Hamilton has a long history with Brazil, having being drawn into the sport through former Brazilian great Ayrton Senna, who he has claimed as his idol. Hamilton even wore yellow helmets during the junior and early days of his Formula One career as a tribute to Senna. He even won his first-ever World Championship in Brazil at the chaotic Brazilian Grand Prix in 2008. In 2017, when Hamilton equalled Senna’s tally of 65 poles, the Senna family presented Hamilton with one of Senna’s race helmets, which an emotional Hamilton accepted. 

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Brazil’s Republican party’s Congressman Jhonatan de Jesus spoke about Hamilton’s relationship with Brazil, stating:

“His gestures add to his indisputable sporting merit. His public positions in support of relevant issues such as the environment, animal rights, Black people, women and human rights must also be remembered and highlighted.“

Hamilton also spoke about being granted honorary citizenship, stating on his social media handle:

“Speechless. Today I was granted honorary citizenship to one of my favourite places in the world. I don’t really have the words right now. Thank you Brasil, I love you, I can’t wait to see you again.“