The entire footballing and sporting world went into mourning earlier this week after Brazilian football legend Pele passed away at the age of 82. Tributes started pouring in from everywhere, and even F1 drivers like Lewis Hamilton joined in to pay respects to the man who changed football forever.
Hamilton has a very close connection to the country of Brazil. Over the years, he has always expressed how much he loves visiting Brazil and cites Ayrton Senna as his racing idol. Earlier this year, he was even appointed as an honorary citizen of the South American nation. When their country’s greatest-ever athlete passed away on Thursday, Hamilton took to social media to share a photo of something he received from the legendary forward.
When Pelé presented Michael Schumacher with a lifetime achievement award at Interlagos in 2006 🐐💛🐐 pic.twitter.com/Mdvf2o5duQ
— ESPN F1 (@ESPNF1) December 29, 2022
In F1, Hamilton is considered to be one of the all-time greats. As a result, Pele sent over a signed Brazilian jersey to the Briton, congratulating him on his Title wins. Hamilton posted a photo of the former Santos player holding that jersey on his Instagram story, with the caption, “Meant so much to get it from the legend himself. Keeping it safe with me always.”
Lewis Hamilton and Formula 1 pay tributes to Pele
As soon as the news of Pele’s passing away became official, there was an outpour of grief from every corner of the sporting world. The Brazilian football legend changed the game in many ways and was arguably the sport’s first-ever superstar.
“Very sad to hear the news that Pele, one of greatest footballers ever has passed away,” F1 boss Stefano Domenicali said. “He was a shining light for Brazil and millions around the world. His skill, smile, and brilliance will live on forever. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”
📲 “Lost a legend today. Thank you for sharing your talent, genius, and love with us. @pele’s legacy will inspire us forever and always”
– Lewis Hamilton via IG story pic.twitter.com/HpMcu87D8z
— Sir Lewis Hamilton Updates (@SirLewisUpdates) December 29, 2022
In another Instagram story, Hamilton wrote, “Lost a legend today. Thank you for sharing your talent, genius, and love with us. Pele’s legacy will inspire us forever and always.”
Pele’s funeral will take place in his hometown of Santos. His casket will be carried around the streets of the city, and will pass his 100-year-old mother’s house on the way to the Memorial Necrópole Ecumênica. There, a small private ceremony involving close friends and family will be held.
