In a crowded plenary, Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton received this Monday (7) the title of Honorary Brazilian Citizen by the Chamber of Deputies. As it is a resolution, the text has already been enacted by the Chamber during the session without having to go through the Senate.
Emotional, Hamilton said he didn’t know what to expect upon receiving the title of Brazilian citizen. In his speech, he dedicated the tribute to his “great hero” Ayrton Senna.
“It is a great honor to receive this title today. Now, I can finally say that I am one of you. I love Brazil, I have always loved Brazil. I have amazing memories of Brazil, even before I had the opportunity to come here. I was here in 2007, the love I received and the experiences I had were very special for me. But last year, the affection I received from your fans was one of the most special moments of my entire life”, said the pilot.
Lewis Hamilton receives the title at a ceremony at the Chamber of Deputies in Brasilia – Reuters/Adriano Machado/Reserved Rights
Homage
When proposing the tribute, deputy André Figueiredo (PDT-CE) highlighted the close relationship that the driver maintains with Brazil and recalled that, in 2021, Hamilton won the Brazilian Formula 1 Grand Prix, in São Paulo, wearing a helmet with the colors green and yellow. On that occasion, the pilot repeated Ayrton Senna’s gesture in 1991, taking an additional lap around the circuit with the Brazilian flag.
The British driver is a seven-time Formula 1 world champion and is in the country for the Interlagos Grand Prix, which takes place this weekend in São Paulo.
The president of the Chamber, deputy Arthur Lira (PP-AL), said that Hamilton is an idol of all Brazilians and an unconditional fan of the “eternal and nostalgic” Ayrton Senna.
“The pilot and the man we have the joy of honoring today has already become an idol of all Brazilians and needs no further introduction. However, it is worth remembering that Lewis Hamilton, thanks to his talent and determination, is a true collector of titles. British by birth but Brazilian at heart, Hamilton is a seven-time Formula 1 world champion,” he said.
