Brazil honour for Briton Hamilton

LEWIS Hamilton has become an honorary citizen of Brazil following a ceremony in Brasilia on Monday.

The seven-time Formula One world champion traces his passion for F1 back to watching Brazilian great Ayrton Senna during his youth. Last year following his victory at the Brazilian Grand Prix, the Englishman completed an additional lap while holding the Brazil flag - mimicking Senna at his home race in 1991. It was that gesture which helped see Hamilton, 37, bestowed with the honour by president of the chamber of deputies, Arthur Lira, ahead of this weekend’s race at Interlagos. Hamilton, fifth in the drivers’ standings, has won the Brazilian Grand Prix three times.