Seven-times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton was made an honorary citizen of Brazil on Monday by the nation’s decrease home of Congress and devoted the consideration to his boyhood idol, the late Brazilian triple world champion Ayrton Senna.
“I feel like now I’m one of you,” the Mercedes driver mentioned in a crowded session of Congress filled with admirers in Brasilia days forward of this 12 months’s Brazilian Grand Prix on Nov. 11 in Sao Paulo.
Hamilton delighted Brazilians by unfurling the Brazilian flag from his Mercedes through the slowing down lap after profitable the final 12 months at Sao Paulo’s Interlagos circuit and later carrying the flag onto the rostrum.
The decrease home handed in June a invoice to make the 37-year-old an honorary citizen that was proposed by congressman Andre Figueiredo after the British driver gained the 2021 Brazilian Grand Prix for the third time.
Hamilton clinched his first world championship at Interlagos in 2008, beating Ferrari’s then-local favourite Felipe Massa with a devastating overtake on the final nook of the final lap of the ultimate spherical of the season.
A smiling Hamilton, sporting a royal blue go well with, acquired Brazil’s legislative medal of advantage and a diploma and made a speech thanking his followers and dedicating the consideration to Senna.
“I have so many amazing memories of Brazil,” Hamilton mentioned.
“And particularly 2021. Knowing you guys would cheer me on the way was one of the most special moments of my entire life. I can’t wait for us to continue to strive ahead,” he added.
At the ceremony, congressmen additionally highlighted Hamilton’s social activism, together with his protection of minority teams and environmental causes.
Hamilton pledged to proceed pushing for range and mentioned that visiting the Amazon rainforest was one in every of his goals.
