Seven times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton said he was left speechless after being made an honorary citizen of Brazil when the lower house passed the bill on Thursday.
The move was proposed by MP Andre Figueedlyo after last year’s Brazilian Grand Prix was won by the British driver, who hoisted the Brazilian flag at Sao Paulo’s Interlagos circuit.
Hamilton backed the move in April, when he visited Sao Paulo to give a keynote speech at an event focused on business and digital transformation, saying he would be honored. Read full story
Hamilton, who is racing in Azerbaijan this weekend, told his 28.4 million Instagram followers: “Today I was granted honorary citizenship to one of my favorite places in the world.
“I really have no words right now. Thank you Brasil, I love you, I can’t wait to see you again.”
Football great Pele, 81, responded to the post: “Congratulations, Lewis. I’m so glad that from now on I can consider you countryman.”
The House of Representatives will now hold a solemn session to grant honorary citizenship to the 37-year-old. The date has not yet been set.
Figueedlyo, a member of Brazil’s Democratic Labor Party, praised the Mercedes driver for celebrating the country at last year’s race and noted that he always considered the late triple world champion who Brazilian Ayrton Senna was his childhood idol.
Hamilton, knighted by his own country, was chanted alongside Senna, a local hero, when he carried the Brazilian flag to the podium last year.
Republican Congressman Jhonatan de Jesus said in a report that Hamilton had a “deep and strong emotional” relationship with Brazil and the tribute was well-deserved.
“His gestures have added to his undeniable sporting value. His public positions in support of related issues such as the environment, animal rights, skin people. Black, women and human rights must also be remembered and highlighted,” said Jesus.
The parliamentary vote was largely symbolic as the debate lasted for about 10 minutes. However, some members of Congress have faced criticism of the bill.
“I acknowledge the achievements of Lewis Hamilton … but this bill makes it clear that we do not prioritize solving Brazil’s structural problems,” said New Party’s Tiago Mitraud.
