Hamilton ‘honoured’ with Brazilian citizenship supply | “Neymar is asking me!”

a proposed invoice making Lewis Hamilton an honorary citizen of Brazil; The seven-time world champion on the São Paulo occasion jokes that he’s ready for his passport; Hamilton additionally says he needs to spend extra time within the nation

Lewis Hamilton carries the Brazilian flag after successful the Brazilian GP final 12 months

Lewis Hamilton says he’s “honored” to obtain a suggestion of honorary citizenship in Brazil and claims footballer Neymar “invitations me yearly” to spend extra time within the nation.

Hamilton has at all times had a connection to the nation, with legendary Method 1 driver Ayrton Senna being his star, and he achieved his first world championship there in distinctive circumstances in 2008.

Congressman Andre Figueiredo proposed a invoice to make Hamilton an honorary citizen after Hamilton received the Brazilian Grand Prix final 12 months, elevating the Brazilian flag whereas followers chanted his and Senna’s names.

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Lewis Hamilton scored an exhilarating victory in Brazil after getting back from tenth on the grid to take the checkered flag.

The invoice has but to be voted on within the Brazilian parliament, however presidential candidate Ciro Gomez has endorsed Hamilton’s citizenship, posting on social media: “Hamilton, you actually reside in our hearts.

“With honorary citizenship, you may be nearer to us.”

In response to Gomez, Hamilton mentioned: “It will be an honor for me.”

Hamilton: Neymar calls me yearly

Hamilton’s feedback aptly got here as he was in Brazil to provide a keynote speech at an occasion, with the Mercedes driver touring to Kuala Lumpur and Sao Paulo since final weekend’s Australian Grand Prix.

On the VTEX Day occasion, Hamilton as soon as once more stood with the Brazilian flag and spoke extra about his love for the nation – revealing calls from main sports activities stars.

“I need to spend extra time right here in Brazil,” mentioned Hamilton. “It is a phenomenal tradition. I’ve solely been to Rio and Sao Paulo, however I need to come again for Christmas, or New 12 months’s or one thing.

“[Brazil soccer international] Neymar calls me yearly and [pro surfer] Jibril [Medina] They invite me yearly, however I by no means get the possibility.”

Then Hamilton joked: “I am ready for my Brazilian passport.”

Neymar, the Paris Saint-Germain and Brazil ahead, and Hamilton have been associates for a few years, whereas the 37-year-old can also be a budding surfer and has hung out with Medina, the three-time world champion.

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Lewis Hamilton says he’s feeling drained after overcoming a number of setbacks to struggle from tenth on the grid and obtain an unforgettable victory in Brazil.

Explaining the love affair between Hamilton and Brazil

From a younger age, Hamilton had just one idol that he aspired to be like. Not Nigel Mansell, nor Damon Hill, however Ayrton Senna – the influential and quick Brazilian driver who received three Method One titles within the late ’80s and ’90s.

His tragic dying after an accident at Imola robbed the game of considered one of its best-ever drivers and nationwide champion Brazil, and the devastated Hamilton – who was 9 on the time – turned keen on his idol.

All through his teenager and most of his profession in Method One, Hamilton wore a yellow helmet in honor of Senna whereas the Brazilian’s data had been the England participant at all times keeping track of.

Hamilton wears Cena’s helmet after matching his kick tally

Matching the Senna’s variety of 65 boys in 2017, the passionate Hamilton was given one of many Senna racing helmets by his household.

Senna has been Hamilton’s greatest inspiration throughout his rise to turn out to be probably the most profitable driver in Method One, whereas additionally having many cherished Brazilian GP reminiscences.

Whereas Hamilton did not get his first win at Interlagos in Sao Paulo till 2016, he received his first title there in 2008, and was notorious on the final lap and within the final nook after overtaking a slowing Timo Glock.

His different wins within the monitor got here in 2018 and 2023, when he sprinted beautifully throughout the sector in each the Dash and the Race, claiming a win that sealed Max Verstappen’s title lead.

After that, he carried the Brazilian flag from the cockpit and rolled it onto the rostrum.