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$1200 Gift, Casually Presented to Brother Nicolas, Was Snatched Away From Lewis Hamilton to Keep His Racing Dream Alive

Published Aug 29, 2023 | 9:15 AM EDT

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You’d think a multi-millionaire F1 superstar would be splurging on yachts or mansions, but nope! Here’s a heart warmer for y’all — Lewis Hamilton presented a cool gift for his half-brother Nicolas but when Lewis received the same gift years ago, fate had other plans in store. It wasn’t just any gift. We’re talking about one of the most premium gaming consoles out there. Lewis recounts a Christmas when he had to make a tricky choice that also was linked to his racing dreams. A dilemma that would leave most kids reeling like a cat on a hot tin roof.

In an Instagram story dating back to 2021, Nicolas Hamilton unveiled a surprising and heartening present from Lewis Hamilton. The younger Hamilton proudly showcased a portable gaming rig, a Gaems Guardian Pro worth $1200, which Lewis had gifted him. This rig was no ordinary gaming console; it was a space-efficient haven for gaming enthusiasts on the move. Nicolas said on this, “Lewis Hamilton kindly gave me a portable gaming station so I can still link up with him and play while I’m away racing. Genius!” Ah, the things you’d do for love! But Hamilton himself wasn’t able to enjoy the same fruits of his labor as when he was younger he had his PlayStation snatched from him.

via Imago

In a video posted by Sky Sports F1 on their YouTube channel, Hamilton takes a vivid trip down memory lane, unveiling a story that encapsulates the essence of his early days. Lewis shares, “So eventually my dad saved up, my dad and my stepmom and my mom put money together and bought me a PlayStation for Christmas, but I was like I want a new helmet. They said, well, we can’t afford to get you a PlayStation, and so we took the PlayStation back and I got a new helmet.” The Brit may have had a rough childhood, but his parents were his biggest support system. He also shed light on how his father decorated this Christmas gift helmet.

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“My dad sat, we sat together, he’s like what colors do you want and he chose yellow. I chose red, blue, and green. I think the helmet was 300 pounds and then to get one of the professional painters to paint it was another 300-400 pounds and we didn’t have that money, that’s why my dad painted my helmet. He did an amazing job.”

So, while Lewis and Nicolas tear it up in the virtual world of “Call of Duty,” let’s not forget the real battles they’ve both won off the screen. This $1200 gift isn’t just about cash and consoles; it’s a 4D experience blending past struggles, present joys, and a future filled with endless possibilities, this one was a real tearjerker. That journey involved a lot struggle in particular from one family member

The iron that forged Lewis Hamilton

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If you think Hamilton’s life was always lived in the fast lane, think again. His beginnings were anything but grand. Hamilton credits much of his resilience and unique driving style to his early years. His father, Anthony, juggled multiple jobs just to get young Lewis on the track. Hammering “For Sale” signs wasn’t beneath him if it meant fueling his son’s dreams.

via Imago

Now, for the meat and potatoes—Hamilton doesn’t just chalk up his abilities to natural talent; he sees it as a direct byproduct of those lean years. “I had this strength that I didn’t even know that I had,” he says. He finds the notion of visiting a sports therapist unnecessary. “I’m strong, and I know I’m strong enough and capable enough. I’ve done it my whole life,” Hamilton concludes.

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From a kid wearing a DIY helmet to a man with the heart of a champion, Hamilton proves that sometimes the journey can be just as mesmerizing as the destination. Talk about a full circle? You can almost hear that old PlayStation whisper, “Game Over? Nah, Game On!” So, tip your hats—or should I say, helmets—to that.

Written by:

Vidhita

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Vidhita is an F1 writer at EssentiallySports. Driven by her deep passion for motorsports and a love for the exhilaration of speed. Since 2016, she has been captivated by the world of F1 after watching a race with a relative, and her fascination has only grown stronger over the years.
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Edited by:

Aishwary Gaonkar