After Lewis Hamilton’s repeated expressions of affection towards Brazil thanks to having Ayrton Senna as a reference and idol, the Chamber of Deputies, with Arthur Lira at the helm, has granted the title of honorary Brazilian citizen to the seven-time world champion.
The Briton from Mercedes published a message on his social networks in April of this year with emoticons of the flag of the South American country when he learned that the bill that the federal deputy André Figueiredo (PDT-CE) presented on November 16 of last year was moving forward. Now, just a few months later, the decision of the Brazilian body has been confirmed, granting this honor to Lewis Hamilton.
The Englishman won the 2021 season in Sao Paulo after a demonstration of superiority rarely seen in Formula 1, starting from last position in the sprint standings after being sanctioned for irregularities in his rear wing. On Sunday, with an impressive comeback and the controversy surrounding the incident with Max Verstappen at Turn 4 included, Hamilton climbed to the top of the Interlagos podium for the third time.
As a tribute to one of his childhood idols, he took a Brazilian flag and wore it until the podium ceremony before the clamor of the stands, moved to remember Senna ‘s deeds in the 90s.
As this is a Chamber of Deputies project, a vote in the Senate was not required, and it was enacted during Thursday’s session.
“We believe that sport and the celebration of national victories, as well as tributes to our champions, can help us rescue our flag as a symbol of national unity,” Figueiredo said at the Brazilian institution.
For his part, deputy Jhonatan de Jesus , from Republicanos-RR, said: “The pilot also stands out off the track for his charisma, friendliness and simplicity, bringing together a large number of fans, mostly Brazilians, which is why we consider fair and deserved tribute”.
Thus, Lewis Hamilton will be able to continue wearing the Brazilian flag with pride throughout the world almost as one more, as other pilots of the stature of Senna himself, Nelson Piquet or Emerson Fittipaldi did in his time.
