Seven time world champion Lewis Hamilton, was made an honorary citizen of Brazil ahead of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
Hamilton formally received his honour in the Chamber of Deputies in Brasilia last Monday, where he touched on how much of an influence his hero Ayrton Senna had been during his journey to Formula 1.
In his speech he said “I really want to dedicate today, this honour, to Ayrton Senna, to Ayrton’s family, to his friends and to his fans. For me, when I was five years old, I saw Ayrton race for the first time, and that was the moment I knew that I wanted to be a world champion, just like him”.
From the iconic title decider in 2008, where he won the championship by passing Timo Glock at the final corner.
To the incredible comeback from last to first to keep himself in the title fight against Max Verstappen last season.
Hamilton has really had some enjoyable moments at Interlagos down the years and he will be hoping for many more to come whether it’s on track or off it.
Mercedes team principle Toto Wolff heaped praise on his driver saying that “To be recognised and celebrated by a country that calls Ayrton Senna their own is a true measure of Lewis’ incredible achievements, both on the track and as an advocate for diversity in our sport”.
From being that five year old watching the races with his dad, to now being one of the greats of the sport, Lewis Hamilton really has achieved a life long dream of becoming one of the F1 greats.