In 2008, Lewis Hamilton won the first of his seven Formula 1 championships at the Brazilian Grand Prix. Last year, after winning the Interlagos race, it was said that the Brazilian government could grant him honorary citizenship, which he has just received.
Hamilton is a big fan of Ayrton Senna, the legendary Brazilian F1 pilot, and when he won last year he held up the Brazilian flag as he stepped onto the podium. That is why Congressman Andre Figueiredo proposed the initiative for Sir Lewis, a Briton, to receive the honorary citizenship.
Going for his fourth title in Brazil
Hamilton has won the Brazilian GP three times: 2016, 2018 and 2021, and will seek his first victory of the season and fourth at the circuit next Sunday, in what will be the penultimate race of the season, which already has two-time champion in Dutchman Max Verstappen.
Hamilton went to Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies to receive his honorary citizenship. “I feel like I am now one of you,” said Lewis, who came wearing a blue suit. At the ceremony, he received Brazil’s legislative merit medal and a diploma, and delivered a speech in which he thanked his fans and dedicated the honor to Senna.
“I have so many incredible memories of Brazil,” Hamilton said. “And in particular from 2021. Knowing that you guys would cheer me on along the way was one of the most special moments of my entire life. I’m looking forward to our continued efforts.”
Hamilton attended the Las Vegas GP presentation
Just last weekend, Hamilton attended the Formula 1 presentation of what will be the Las Vegas Grand Prix, which will be run for the first time next season. At the event he was accompanied by his Mercedes teammate, George Russell, and Red Bull’s Mexican Sergio Perez.
