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Nicolas Pays Special Tribute to Brother Lewis With Heartfelt Note After Overcoming Disability to Script History

Published 09/23/2023, 12:38 PM EDT

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For every F1 driver, there exists a heartwarming tale that transcends the racetrack. In Lewis Hamilton‘s case, there are several such individuals in his life. However, his brother Nicolas Hamilton certainly takes the P1 spot. Lewis’ bond with Nicolas can be described as a story of two brothers, separated by just a few years of age but connected by an unbreakable bond. The Hamilton brothers have a shared passion for motorsport that has ultimately shaped their destinies in profoundly different ways.

In a recent Instagram post, Nicolas Hamilton shared a touching throwback alongside his superstar brother, Lewis Hamilton, telling an inspiring story of resilience, determination, and family support. The two photos collaged together – one from their childhood and the other, recent – illustrate the profound journey of the Hamilton siblings.

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Nicolas says in the caption,

“I was ‘cross-eyed’ in the top image, due to my difficult birth, not to mention, my CP too, with Lewis starting out his motorsport journey. 26 years later, Lewis is 7 time F1 World Champion & I am a history maker in the British Touring Car Championship, being the first disabled athlete in the series, having overcome my condition & proven everyone wrong, with Lewis kitting me in his @mercedesamgf1 race suit, as I become the first disabled driver in the Mercedes F1 Simulator.

It is incredible what is actually behind 2 images. 🙏🏾”

Accompanied by the images, Nicolas’s heartfelt caption revealed a narrative that spanned more than two decades, tracing the remarkable journey of two siblings who defied the odds, shattered stereotypes, and emerged as beacons of inspiration in the world of motorsport. His message is clear: Behind every picture lies an untold story of struggles, milestones, and endless love. Here’s to the Hamiltons, showing the world that with determination, family support, and a sprinkle of faith, nothing is truly impossible.

But it’s only natural to be in awe of such a feat. Let’s dive into the incredible story of Nicolas Hamilton, who overcame cerebral palsy to chase his racing dreams and make history in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC).

Nicolas Hamilton: Overcoming disability to chase racing dreams

Nicolas, now 31, has cerebral palsy, a condition that affects his legs and balance. But in the 2020 season, he accomplished a remarkable feat by becoming the first disabled driver to score points in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC).

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“I didn’t think I would have the opportunity to race,” Nicolas admits (as per CNN). With cerebral palsy affecting his ability to use conventional foot pedals, it seemed like an insurmountable challenge. However, with determination and innovation, he found a way to make his racing dreams a reality. “Motorsport gave me a purpose,” he adds.

Nicolas’s car underwent extensive modifications to suit his unique needs, including a hand clutch on the steering wheel made of lightweight carbon fiber. Extra-wide pedals and a custom-molded seat further enhance his driving experience. Competing in the BTCC against 30 able-bodied drivers at speeds up to 130 mph, Nicolas made history this season by finishing 15th and earning a championship point. But he’s not stopping there; he aims to break into the top 10.

Nicolas’s journey has been marked by resilience. Overcoming a bleak prognosis as a child, he endured bullying and discrimination. Supported by his family, he underwent surgery and therapy, learning to walk unaided by age 17. His love for motorsport ignited at seven when his father let him drive a go-kart.

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Last year, Nicolas helped launch Team BRIT, the UK’s first race academy for disabled drivers, aiming to provide opportunities and happiness to aspiring racers. Through determination and innovation, Nicolas Hamilton is not just chasing his dreams but helping others find their path to victory.

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Written by:

Pulkit Jai

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Pulkit is an F1 writer at EssentiallySports. With a strong academic background in engineering, he possesses an in-depth understanding of the intricate mechanics and technology driving Formula 1 racing. This expertise allows him to offer insightful analysis, exploring the technical aspects of the sport and shedding light on the innovative advancements that shape the world of F1.
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Edited by:

Aishwary Gaonkar