It all started with a little show of love and gratitude after one of the most incredible performances on a track in the sport’s history. We are talking about the 2021 Brazilian GP in which Lewis Hamilton won the race in two parts after starting dead last. The Brit incredibly won the race after overtaking everyone, and in a show of appreciation and tribute to his idol, Hamilton waved the Brazilian flag after the race.

This is exactly the show of respect that resonated with the entire Brazilian fanbase, even the ones sitting in Congress. This gesture, coupled with Hamilton’s affinity toward Brazil and idol Ayrton Senna, made the decision to make him an honorary citizen easier. Let’s look at where this deep-rooted connection began.

The past that led to Lewis Hamilton earning the honorary Brazilian citizenship

When Brazil lost its hero Senna after an unfortunate crash in Imola, the Brit was a 9-year-old boy. However, Senna’s untimely demise after three championships grew his affinity toward the F1 legend. In fact, as a tribute to his idol, Hamilton raced with a yellow helmet for most of his junior and F1 career.

The Brazilian has been Hamilton’s biggest inspiration throughout his rise in the world of F1. In fact, Hamilton received the biggest moment of his life when the Senna family gave him Senna’s helmet for matching his pole tally record of 65 in 2017. Even though Hamilton did not win a race at Interlagos until 2016, he won his first world championship there in 2008 after a dramatic last-lap, last-corner overtake.

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His other race wins came in 2018 and 2021. However, it was the 2021 race win where he made the world stop and watch in awe that gave birth to the idea and desire of many to grant the Mercedes Brit Brazil’s honorary citizenship.

Hamilton’s waving of the flag, his love for Senna coupled with the deep connection he has with Brazil, and how often he communicates it all led to his citizenship. A moment that even brought tears to his mom’s eyes.

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This incredibly warm reception Hamilton receives whenever he visits Brazil speaks volumes about how loved he is in the country. However, what about the people who proposed the bill and voted for it?

The moment that made Brazilian Congressmen propose a bill to grant Lewis Hamilton honorary citizenship

It began after the gesture at the 2021 Brazilian GP, as we all know. Congressman Andre Figueiredo proposed the bill which took its due process in the lower house of parliament. Hamilton backed the bill himself as well when he visited the country in April 2022 to deliver a keynote speech.

The bill was passed on November 9th, 2022, ahead of the 2022 Brazilian GP. There was a lot of gratitude back and forth between Hamilton and his fans. However, there are some statements that highlight what the congressmen actually think about the Briton.

“His gestures add to his indisputable sporting merit. His public positions in support of relevant issues such as the environment, animal rights, Black people, women, and human rights must also be remembered and highlighted,” Congressman Jhonatan de Jesus said as quoted by Sky Sports.

The Chamber of Deputies, Arthur Lira, welcomed him, saying, “British by birth but Brazilian at heart.” And even took a subtle dig. “Lewis is a collector of titles, a 7-time Formula 1 world champion. Or are they Eight? Octa champion!” He added, “Someone from the staff will pay for it!”

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Apart from some criticism, there was nothing but love for Hamilton, which is exactly why he is an honorary citizen of Brazil. Next race week, he would feel that love on the track as well.