LEWIS HAMILTON has been named an honorary citizen of Brazil.
A bill was passed in Brazilian parliament yesterday granting the Brit citizenship.
Lewis Hamilton clutches a Brazilian flag on the podium after winning last year’s Grand Prix in Sao Paulo Credit: Reuters The suggestion was first made by congressman Andre Figueiredo last November after Hamilton unfurled a Brazilian flag following his incredible Grand Prix victory in Sao Paulo.
Hamilton visited the South American country in April to speak at an event, backing the move to grant him honorary citizenship when asked about it.
Upon receiving the news, Hamilton wrote on Instagram: “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. 🇧🇷❤️”
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FIA president releases statement after slamming drivers over human rights stance The 37-year-old has a long-held affection for Brazil that started with his childhood idolisation of the late Ayrton Senna.
Hamilton was an enormous fan of the Formula 1 great, who passed away after an accident at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix.
The future Mercedes star was just nine-years-old at the time.
He has held on to his affinity for Senna throughout his life, often donning a yellow helmet in tribute to him throughout his career.
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Hamilton is incredibly popular in Brazil, having clinched the first of his seven world titles there in 2008.
His name was chanted alongside Senna’s as he took to the podium following his extraordinary comeback victory at last year’s Brazilian Grand Prix.
Speaking about the awarding of honorary citizenship to Hamilton, congressman Jhonatan de Jesus said: “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.”
After matching Senna’s tally of 65 poles in 2017, Hamilton was gifted one of his helmets by the Brazilian’s family.
Hamilton, who was knighted in the UK last year, is in Baku ahead of this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
He currently sits sixth in the driver standings – 75 points behind leader Max Verstappen.
The Silver Arrows are targeting massive improvements to their much maligned W13 car by next month’s British Grand Prix.
The Mercedes star has donned the Brazilian flag on his helmet in honour of Ayrton Senna Credit: AP:Associated Press Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
