Sir Lewis Hamilton has affirmed that he wants to go to Brazil more often after a bill was proposed to make the Mercedes driver an honorary citizen.
The Briton received his Knighthood in the UKat the end of last year having featured on the New Year’s Honours list at the beginning of 2021, and his close affiliation with the Senna family has endeared him to the people of Brazil.
Ayrton Senna claimed three championships 41 wins during an illustrious career that took him to Toleman, Lotus, McLaren and Williams before his tragic death at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix in Imola.
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Hamilton grew up idolising Senna, and always receives a great level of affection when he goes to Sao Paulo for the Brazilian Grand Prix.
He recently paid a visit to the city again to give a speech at the VTEX day event at which former US president Barack Obama has previously spoken.
He expressed his love for the country, and his desire to spend more time there.
“I want to spend more time here in Brazil…It is such a beautiful culture. I’ve only been to Rio and Sao Paulo, but I want to come back for Christmas, New Year or something,” he stated.
Paris Saint Germain footballer Neymar and pro surfer Gabriel Medina frequently invite the Briton to spend some time with them in Brazil.
“Neymar invites me every year, and Gabriel invites me every year, but I never had the chance…I’m waiting for my Brazilian passport,” he said.
Andre Figueiredo, leader of the PDT party in Brazil, proposed the honorary citizenship late last year after the Brazilian Grand Prix, and Ciro Gomes, a member of that same party, tweeted his approval of the idea.
“Hamilton, you already live in our hearts. With the honorary citizenship, you will be even closer to us,” he said.
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“I’d be honoured,” was the reply from Hamilton.
The 37-year-old has claimed three race wins in Brazil, including his remarkable comeback at the event last year.