Lewis Hamilton was overjoyed as he became an honorary citizen of Brazil. Ahead of F1’s penultimate race of the season in Sao Paulo, the Mercedes driver received the prestigious honour, including a corresponding medal, at Brazil’s Congress chamber in Brasilia in front of hundreds of ecstatic fans.
Beaming with pride, Hamilton expressed his happiness at having such a special bestowed upon him. “I’d like to say a big, big thank you to everyone here at the house, for all those who’ve moved mountains to make this day possible. It is honestly the greatest honour for me to be here receiving and accepting this citizenship. I really do feel like now I’m one of you, finally,” said Hamilton, to thunderous applause.
“When I arrived here in 2007 [Hamilton’s first F1 season], the love that’s grown, the experiences we’ve had and, particularly 2021, knowing you guys were cheering me on the way, it was one of the most special moments of my entire life." During his speech Hamilton noted the influence of his hero and three-time F1 world champion Ayrton Senna as he grew up dreaming of racing in F1 and reaching his records.
