Hamilton calls honorary Brazilian citizenship 'huge honour'

40

Lewis Hamilton says the unexpected news of Brazil awarding him an honorary citizen is "surreal and a huge honour".

The South American country's distinction was bestowed upon the seven-time F1 World Champion late on Thursday after the lower house of Brazil's parliament passed a bill proposed last year by congressman Andre Figueiredo after Hamilton's remarkable win in the Brazilian Grand Prix.

The Mercedes driver recognized his affinity with Brazil last April upon a visit to the country where he delivered a keynote speech at a business and digital transformation event.

Hamilton announced the news to his 28 million followers on Instagram but later explained that it had come out of the blue on Thursday.

Read also: Brad Pitt F1 movie co-produced by Hamilton acquired by Apple

"It’s very surreal and what a huge honour it is," Hamilton said in Baku.

"I was surprised when I heard about it yesterday because nobody contacted me about it, we just heard about it in the news.

"I’ve not heard of that happening, maybe it does in other places – but Brazil has always been a place that I’ve loved and admired since a kid.

"Obviously following Ayrton, you are naturally drawn to the country. Through my life, just meeting more and more Brazilians and learning more about the culture and the community, it’s very, very diverse there.

"A lot of music and colour and I’ve had so many amazing times there. I obviously won my first championship there and then 14 years later or whatever it was, to have that epic race there last year and the moment with the Brazilian flag.

"My biggest following is in Brazil, so I’m very honoured and very grateful and can’t wait to spend more time there."

This year's Brazilian Grand Prix will take place at Interlagos on November 11-13.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.