Hamilton dedicates honorary Brazilian citizenship to Senna

©AP

Lewis Hamilton received on Monday from Brazil's Congress his honorary citizenship, a distinction that he dedicated to his hero, the great Ayrton Senna.

In June, the lower House of Brazil's parliament passed a bill awarding an honorary citizenship to Hamilton, but the merit was officially bestowed upon the Mercedes driver in a ceremony in Brasilia organized ahead of next weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix.

Brazilian congressman Andre Figueiredo had proposed the honorary citizenship bill last year after Hamilton's dominant drive in the 2021 race when he achieved his third career win at Interlagos.

"It is a great honor to get this title today. Now I can finally say I am one of you," said an emotional Hamilton during Monday's ceremony.

"I love Brazil, I have always loved Brazil."

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While highlighting his long-standing affinity for Brazil, the seven-time F1 world champion naturally referenced the man who sits in his heart as his greatest sporting hero.

"I want to dedicate this honor to my hero Ayrton Senna," Hamilton added.

Lower House Speaker Arthur Lira said Hamilton "is a hero for all Brazilians" and "a Briton by birth and a Brazilian by heart."

"Brazilian role models like Senna and Hamilton make us sure that every Brazilian can overcome challenges and win the races in life," Lira said.

"I hope you return many times to this country that is also your country now."

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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.