F1, Lewis Hamilton is an honorary citizen of Brazil: the touching dedication

A ceremony far more than just symbolic, with a clear tribute.

Lewis Hamilton became an honorary citizen of Brazil, following a ceremony held in the capital Brasilia just days before the Sao Paulo Grand Prix at Interlagos. And the Mercedes driver made no secret: “I dedicate this honor to Ayrton Senna.”

Since the beginning of his career, Hamilton has always been clear about the great impact Senna had in determining his career and even earlier in making him develop a passion toward engines and Formula 1. The proof lies in the colors he chose for his helmet early in his career, very similar to those of the driver who won three world titles in McLaren.

“I want to thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart,” Hamilton said at the ceremony, which was held at the Chamber of Deputies in Brasilia. “The love you have shown me over all these years is impressive. I have always loved Brazil, even before I got there as a Formula 1 driver. And I dedicate this honor to Ayrton Senna, but also to his friends and relatives.”

“When I was five years old for the first time I saw Ayrton on the track, and that was the moment I decided I wanted to be a Formula 1 world champion. Every time I come here to Brazil I realize how many people struggle to achieve such ambitious goals. And for me you are always a huge inspiration,” Senna added.