Not everyone agrees with Hamilton's Brazilian honorary citizenship

Lewis Hamilton has officially been named an honorary citizen of Brazil. Congressman Andre Figueiredo made the case for Hamilton's honorary citizenship after the driver drove with the Brazilian flag following his victory in 2021.

Hamilton now an honorary citizen

Hamilton often lets it be known after a race that he thinks the fans at that location are the best fans in the world, but with the Brazilian public Hamilton has a special bond. The Brit grew up with Ayrton Senna as his idol and has made several references to the Brazilian legend in his helmet.

Hamilton himself already let it be known that he wanted to spend more time in Brazil. '' I've only been to Rio (de Janeiro) and Sao Paulo, but I want to come back here for Christmas, New Year or something like that,'' he said according to Reuters, joking that he was still waiting for his Brazilian passport.

That passport will not come, but Hamilton has now been officially declared an honorary citizen of Brazil. The House of Commons passed a bill on Thursday, all that remains now is to schedule a date on which the Mercedes driver will receive the award in his hands.

Criticism from Brazil

''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 says according to Sky Sports known after the event.

Although the vote was more symbolic, there was also criticism of the bill. ''I recognise Lewis Hamilton's achievements...but this bill makes clear that we are not addressing Brazil's structural problems as a priority,'' said the critical Tiago Mitraud.