“We Were Really Grateful” – Nicholas Opens up on Lewis Hamilton Chasing World Championship Greatness in F1

The 2008 Brazilian Grand Prix remains one of the best title-deciders in F1 in recent times. Nearly 12 years after Lewis Hamilton picked up his first of 6 World Championships, Nicholas Hamilton reflected on the events that transpired at Interlagos. Nicholas revealed that he never thought Hamilton would win 6 titles, let alone 1 in Formula 1.

Hamilton’s crazy triumph in Brazil

Heading into the Brazilian Grand Prix in 2008. Hamilton was leading championship rival Felipe Massa by 7 points. The British driver had to finish in the top 6 te seal the title. Quite straightforward but the race was anything but simple.

Willed on by the support of his adoring home fans, Massa produced a stunning lap to take pole position for the final race of the year. Hamilton started in fourth but it was clear the Championship was anyones for the taking. At the start, Massa pulled away from the pack and built a comfortable lead. Hamilton, on the other hand, struggled to make any meaningful progress through the field.

It looked like Massa was on course to steal the crown from Hamilton at his home race. However, nature had other plans. During the dying stages of the race, the heavens opened, injecting another twist to the title fight. Despite the treacherous conditions, Massa kept his cool to win the race. Hamilton was out of the points and Massa was World Champion for 20 seconds.

What followed was one of the most dramatic moments in F1 history. During the final corners of the last lap, Hamilton passed Timo Glock to get back into the required points position and clinch the World Championship by a single point. There were two contrasting scenes at two different teams in F1 on that fateful day.

Nicholas opens up on Lewis hamilton chasing number 7

Heartbreak and disbelief at Ferrari and jubilation and disbelief at McLaren. Nicholas Hamilton opened up on his brother’s first championship triumph and disclosed that his family was ‘grateful’. Speaking to Natalie Pinkham on the podcast In The Pink, Hamilton said:

“I can’t believe he’s going to his seventh World title; we were really just grateful to get one in that 2008 Brazil finale”

“One would have been enough but bloody bugger’s gone and done 6! Which is incredible”

“I’m so proud of him”

12 years after that epic World Championship quest, Hamilton holds 6 titles and is chasing Michael Schumacher’s unbeaten record of 7.