Lewis Hamilton Set To Become Brazilian Citizen Pending Parliamentary Vote

Lewis Hamilton could become a Brazilian citizen, if a vote in parliament votes in favour of it, with the seven time Formula One world champion saying he'd be 'honoured.'

Hamilton may be one of Britain's most successful sports stars of all time, considering he can make a claim to be the greatest ever to compete in his sport, but the Mercedes driver also has an affinity to Brazil.

The 37-year-old's hero is F1 legend Ayrton Senna and he has worn the Brazilian flag on his helmet when driving at the Interlagos course in Sao Paulo.

He also had the country's flag draped over him on the podium after winning the Brazilian Grand Prix last season, his third win on the track.

And now he could become an 'honorary citizen' of the South American country, with Congressman Andre Figueiredo proposing in the lower house of Parliament that the 37-year-old be made a citizen.

The idea is due to be voted on, although it has yet to take place, and the driver has even responded to the possibility already, saying on Twitter he would be honoured, and tweeting a bunch of Brazil flags.

Speaking previously about visiting the country, Hamilton admitted that he'd like to do it more often and that he's been invited several times by famous friends but never had the chance.

"I want to spend more time in Brazil. There is such a beautiful culture here. I've only been to Rio (de Janeiro) and Sao Paulo, but I want to come back here for Christmas, New Year or something like that," he told Reuters.

"Neymar invites me every year, and [pro surfer] Gabriel [Medina] invites me every year, but I never had the chance - I’m waiting for my Brazilian passport."

Of course if the vote does go in his favour then he'll have his passport and be able to go whenever he likes, not that he couldn't have done with just a British one.

Hamilton's season hasn't started so well, with Mercedes struggling with the pace of leaders Ferrari and fierce rivals Red Bull Racing.

The British driver didn't even realise he'd earned himself a point when finishing 10th at the recent Saudi Arabia Grand Prix, having fought back from 16th on the grid.

Despite poor performance from the car, their reliability, compared to Red Bull's, means they're in second place in the Constructors' Championship, whilst Hamilton's teammate George Russell is second in the Drivers' standings.