Amsterdam, June 10th 2022– Lewis Hamilton was named an honorary citizen of Brazil on Thursday. The Brazilian parliament has passed a bill to grant the British Mercedes driver this special status.
The proposal to make Hamilton an honorary citizen of Brazil was submitted by Congressman André Figueiredo after last year’s Brazilian Grand Prix. Hamilton won the race at Interlagos in spectacular fashion and then celebrated on the podium with a Brazilian flag.
During a visit to São Paulo in April this year, Hamilton said he would be honored to be named an honorary citizen of Brazil. The seven-time Formula 1 world champion says he is fascinated by the country, where his idol and racing legend Ayrton Senna was born.
The Brazilian House of Representatives is going to schedule a date for Hamilton to be invited. During a solemn ceremony, the honorary citizenship is then officially awarded to him.
Today I was granted honorary citizenship to one of my favourite places in the world,” Hamilton, who is racing in Azerbaijan this weekend, told his 28.4 million followers on Instagram.
I don’t really have the words right now. Thank you Brasil, I love you, I can’t wait to see you again.”
Soccer great Pele, 81, responded to the post: “Congratulations, Lewis. I am happy that, from now on, I can consider you a fellow countryman.”
