On Monday, November 7, Formula 1 driver Sir Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton received the title of Honorary Citizen of Brazil.
The ceremony occurred during the Plenary of the House of Representatives.
The proposal to grant the honor to the seven-time world champion was made by Congressman André Figueiredo (PDT-CE) and approved in June this year.
In the justification, the congressman highlighted that when Hamilton won the Interlagos GP, in São Paulo, in November 2021, he made a gesture of appreciation for Brazil.
On occasion, the driver wore a special helmet, honoring Ayrton Senna with the national colors, and carried the Brazilian flag on the victory lap, repeating the gesture the three-time Brazilian champion used to do.
“Hamilton’s gesture was important. He helps us remember that the national colors have no party or owner. These colors represent the totality of the Brazilian people,” said Figueiredo in the proposal to award the title.
Hamilton has always stressed his inspiration in Senna since he was a child and didn’t hide his affection for Brazil, including his involvement in social causes related to the preservation of the Amazon.
The athlete has already led a campaign against forest fires and highlighted the importance of forests for Brazil and the world.
The tribute, in Figueiredo’s evaluation, has the potential to “help rescue our flag as a symbol of national unity”.
When he heard about the proposal, the British driver said he was honored with the invitation. After the matter was approved, Hamilton celebrated:
“Today, I became an honorary citizen of one of my favorite places in the world. Thank you, Brazil. I love you guys; I can’t wait to see you again.”
This Monday, Hamilton only receives the honor already granted in June.