Nicolas Hamilton’s ‘Biggest Win Ever’ After Heartwarming Racing W…read more
Nicolas Hamilton, the younger brother of Formula 1 legend Lewis Hamilton, has described his recent British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) race at Brands Hatch Indy as the “biggest win ever” in his career—not for his performance on the track, but for a powerful and emotional moment shared with a young disabled fan.
The 33-year-old, who has cerebral palsy, competed last weekend in Round 2 of the BTCC at one of the UK’s most historic racing circuits. The event marked another important milestone in Hamilton’s racing journey, but what made the weekend particularly special had little to do with lap times or grid positions.
Taking to Instagram, Hamilton reflected on what he called the most “wholesome race weekend” of his career. Despite not finishing among the frontrunners, he beamed with pride over a unique and touching experience he shared with George, a disabled fan and wheelchair user, who was given the chance to be his official “Grid Boy” before the race.
“Results aside and the fact that I had a very positive weekend inside the car, I achieved a far bigger result than any position placed in a race,” Hamilton wrote. “This weekend, I gave George the opportunity to be my ‘Grid Boy’, positioned in front of my car on the grid before the race, holding my name board.”
It was an emotional moment for Hamilton, who sat inside his car, fighting back tears as he watched George proudly represent him on the track. Speaking through the team’s pit radio, Hamilton connected with George and told him how honored he felt to share that moment with him. For both of them, it was more than just a race—it was a statement.
“Having been a wheelchair user myself and constantly living with my disability on a daily basis, the journey to get to the point where I can actually physically drive a car has been tough. But now here I am, with George in front of my car!” he wrote.
Hamilton has long been a role model and trailblazer for disabled individuals in motorsport. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at an early age, he faced numerous physical challenges growing up. Nevertheless, his determination and passion for racing never wavered. In 2015, he made history by becoming the first disabled driver to compete in the BTCC, a major step forward for inclusivity in motorsport.
After a break from competition in 2023, Hamilton returned to the track this year with Un-Limited Motorsport. While his comeback at Donington Park last month saw him finish third from last, he made significant progress at Brands Hatch, ending the day inside the top 20.
Still, it was the impact off the track that will stay with him the longest.
“The power of these pictures are unreal,” he said. “They show that disability is accepted within motorsport, that disabled individuals are safe on the grid, in and around motorsport. I am so proud of myself to have been able to break through, make change and show that disabled people are welcome, valuable and celebrated in my sport.”
Hamilton’s tribute to George and their shared experience has drawn widespread admiration across the motorsport world. Fans, fellow drivers, and disability advocates have praised Hamilton not just for his skill behind the wheel, but for his unwavering commitment to representation and inclusion.
Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time Formula 1 World Champion, has frequently voiced pride in his younger brother’s achievements and the obstacles he’s overcome. While Lewis continues to make headlines in F1—having recently signed a new deal and drawing attention for Ferrari-related developments—it’s Nicolas who’s shining as an inspirational figure in his own right.
For Nicolas, the weekend at Brands Hatch wasn’t just another race. It was a personal victory—a powerful reminder of how far he’s come and how impactful his journey has been for others who face similar challenges.
As he concluded in his Instagram post: “The biggest win you could ever imagine during a race weekend.”
