Hamilton ‘waiting for Brazilian passport’ with citizenship bill pending

Seven-time Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton gave an indication of his approval of a bid to grant him honourary citizenship in Brazil while attending an event in Sao Paolo.

Delivering a keynote address at the VTEX Day event, focused on business and digital transformation, the 37-year-old Briton said, “I want to spend more time here in Brazil…It is such a beautiful culture. I’ve only been to Rio and Sao Paulo, but I want to come back for Christmas, New Year or something.”

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“[Brazilian footballer] Neymar invites me every year, and [professional surfer] Gabriel [Medina] invites me every year, but I never had the chance…I’m waiting for my Brazilian passport,” Hamilton added, with the bill to grant him honourary citizenship still pending in the lower house of the Brazilian parliament.

Having delivered the address, the 37-year-old joined a list of distinguished people who had spoken at the event in previous editions, including former US president Barack Obama, and British entrepreneur Richard Branson.

Hamilton endeared himself to Brazilian fans during last year’s grand prix at Sao Paolo, when he unfurled the Brazilian flag after his victory at the Interlagos racing circuit. As the 37-year-old took the flag to the podium, he was greeted by a thunderous ovation from Brazilian plans.

Subsequently, congressman Andre Figueiredo proposed the bill to make Hamilton an honourary citizen, although voting on the bill is yet to take place.

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However, the vote, when it happens, is likely to result in the confirmation of Hamilton’s Brazilian citizenship, with Presidential hopeful Ciro Gomes himself backing the move.

“Hamilton, you already live in our hearts. With the honorary citizenship, you will be even closer to us,” Gomes had said on Twitter, to which the 37-year-old Briton had replied, “I’d be honoured.”