Lewis Hamilton is an honorary citizen of Brazil! The definition came this Thursday (9), when the House of Representatives approved a resolution calling for the title to be granted to the seven-time world champion driver. Now approved, Hamilton will soon receive the title.

The announcement was made by the House of Representatives earlier this afternoon after the enactment of the PRC 79/21 honor suggested by Congressman André Figueiredo [PDT-CE]. According to the Parliament, the title "will be delivered in a solemn session with no date yet set".

The honor comes after Hamilton was knighted by the Queen and given the title 'Sir'. The project of the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies was presented on November 16, two days after the Briton's victory at Interlagos. On that occasion, Hamilton overcame two punishments, going from last in the sprint race to fifth, and then from tenth to first in the São Paulo GP. Lewis celebrated the victory with the Brazilian flag, repeating Ayrton Senna's gesture.

The pilot's attitude was the reason for the creation of the Resolution Project. In the document, the congressman states that "This gesture of respect to the memory of the greatest Brazilian driver resonated with each and every one of our citizens. Senna was not only a driver, but he represented the image of a Brazil that did well, that won, that was seen positively by the world. He was our pride because he reminded us of our potential.

Lewis Hamilton venceu o GP de São Paulo em Interlagos e se vestiu com a bandeira do Brasil no pódio (Foto: AFP) — Lewis Hamilton won the São Paulo GP at Interlagos and wore the Brazilian flag on the podium (Photo: AFP)

The mourning caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, which victimized more than 650,000 Brazilians, is also cited. Hamilton's gesture would have reminded the Brazilian "that the national colors have no party or owner," and would help to rescue our flag as a symbol of national unity.

"In this sense, we suggest paying tribute to the British driver, granting him the title of honorary citizen of the Federative Republic of Brazil. We hope that this gesture will help us in the process of national reconciliation and the return of our national symbols as the patrimony of all Brazilians," states the document.

The proposal arrived at the directing table of the Chamber of Deputies on February 7 and has now received a vote in the plenary session.