When Pele thanked Lewis Hamilton for raising Brazilian flag at Interlagos podium celebrations

Lewis Hamilton has always had a close connection with the country of Brazil. Earlier this week, when their nation’s greatest-ever athlete Pele passed away, Hamilton was one of the worst to take to social media and pay tribute to him. The two of them have had several interactions before, and a lot of it was down to Hamilton’s love for Brazil.

The 2021 Sao Paolo GP was one of the most memorable races of that season. Title rivals Hamilton and Max Verstappen produced a feisty battle, with the former going from last to first to win the Grand Prix. After winning, he recreated three-time F1 World Champion Ayrton Senna’s celebration by waving the Brazilian flag around the circuit during his cooldown lap, before raising it up on the podium once again.

To see a British driver celebrate a win in Brazil with their flag was heartwarming for the people of the country, and Pele certainly thought so. The legendary forward took to social media to write a message for the Mercedes ace. It read, “A wonderful performance. A day as glorious for you, Lewis, as for us Brazilians. It’s great to see an F1 driver raise our flag on the podium. Thank you for being who you are.”

Hamilton too replied to the former Santos striker by thanking him in return.

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Lewis Hamilton reveals signed Brazilian jersey given by Pele

Hamilton was the first F1 driver to pay tribute to Pele on social media on Thursday, just hours after his passing. He thanked the late great Pele for sharing his ‘talent, love and genius’ with everyone.

“Pele’s legacy will inspire us forever and always,” he added.

Hamilton went on to share pictures of Pele’s playing days, before also posting one that showed him holding a signed Brazilian jersey. This jersey was given to Hamilton by the legendary forward, and the Mercedes ace vowed to keep it safe with him forever.

Also read: “Keeping it safe with me always”: Lewis Hamilton pays tribute to Pele by revealing signed Brazilian jersey he got from 3-time FIFA World Cup winner