Lewis Hamilton has made no secret of his love of Brazil over the years. Ahead of the 2025 Brazil Grand Prix, he's now gone one step further, adding that Rio de Janeiro may be a good place to call home.
“I love Rio," he told GQ Brazil. "I think of the few places I've visited here, I like the lifestyle there the most. And, of course, I know some people there, so I think it could be a good place for me.”
The seven-time champion's relationship with the country was strengthened when he became an honorary citizen of Brazil by the Chamber of Deputies in 2022 after he won the Brazil Grand Prix the previous year. This pushed him to further embrace the culture, history, and, of course, the people of the country he has been continually backed by.
"When I come here, I'm always very well received," he said. "It's very special to come to São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro. I also spent New Year's Eve in Bahia a few years ago. It's truly a beautiful country, with incredible people. I meet many Brazilians around the world, and the passion they have for their country is beautiful to see.”
He's continued to learn as his curiosity continues: “Over the years, I've learned more about Brazil, its history and diversity, where many African people came from, for example, and I've started to feel more and more at ease here.”
Currently in his first season with Ferrari, a period that has been mixed for the driver, he hopes to perform well this weekend. “I hope to make the people here proud, just like Senna and his family."
He added, "My first time here was already a great thrill. It was when I felt closest to Ayrton [Senna]. I always saw him in movies and on TV as a child. So finally being in his country was something special."
He reflected on driving the McLaren MP4/5B last year at Interlagos. "Last year was crazy for me because I used to watch tapes of him doing laps on the circuit. It's a shame the track was wet, it would have been cooler if it had been dry. But it's always like this here: scorching hot or very wet."
Hamilton looks to build on his difficult season this weekend as he races in front of his Brazilian fan base.
“I hope that, with all the difficult moments we've had this year, all of this has prepared us for this weekend.”
Photos from Sao Paulo GP - Friday
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
Sao Paulo GP - Friday, in photos
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