Lewis Hamilton Says Brazil Feels Like Home as He Opens Up About His Split Loyalties

Lewis Hamilton is heading to Brazil with more than racing on his mind. Ahead of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, the Ferrari driver has spoken about his affection for the country and how his feelings for Brazil’s national football team compare with his ties to England. Hamilton is hoping to build on his second-place finish in Mexico, where he had started from pole before Max Verstappen moved ahead. Brazil has been a happy hunting ground for the seven-time world champion: he is aiming for a fourth win there, after a celebrated victory in 2021. That triumph brought a moment that Brazilian fans remember. Hamilton unfurled the country’s flag in a gesture inspired by his hero, Ayrton Senna. The tribute helped spark a vote in 2022 that made the British driver an honorary Brazilian citizen. Hamilton has previously said he wants to spend more time in Brazil, and described his football loyalties as divided. “For me, it’s tied with England. Honestly, Brazil has always been my favourite team,” he said ahead of a summer tournament. He recalled growing up in England and enjoying Brazil’s play, praising the team’s colours, culture and skilled players. At a speech in Sao Paulo in 2022, he said he hoped to return for Christmas or New Year. Hamilton also mentioned that footballer Neymar and surfer Gabriel Medina had invited him to visit, adding that he was waiting for his Brazilian passport. The driver’s connection to Brazil goes beyond sport. Alongside his admiration for Senna, Hamilton has developed a friendship with Neymar. The country’s welcome after his 2021 win, and the honorary citizenship that followed, have helped make Brazil a place he says he would like to know better.