via Imago
L-R Lewis Hamilton and Nicolas Hamilton (Credits: Imago)
via Imago
L-R Lewis Hamilton and Nicolas Hamilton (Credits: Imago)
The Hamilton brothers are a household name and one of the greatest duos in motorsport history. With accolades and numerous laurels, it is difficult to imagine anything but a happy childhood for the two. However, the assumption would be far from the truth. Lewis Hamilton has opened up about his formative years describing every heartbreaking detail. Similar to the Mercedes driver, the younger Hamilton gets candid about his tragic life.
Diagnosed with cerebral palsy at just 18 months, Nicolas has overcome every difficulty that life has thrown his way. So much so, that the wheelchair Lewis Hamilton got him to boost his confidence collects dust as he strides on his own confidently. But the spinning wheels of fate dictate that good times come from bad times and vice versa. Although Nicolas Hamilton has carved his own place, his debilitating condition did not make his earlier years easy.
Nicolas and Lewis Hamilton share more than just racing blood
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Lewis Hamilton is the most accomplished driver in Formula 1. The world champion has had a head start from the pole 104 times in his career. However, all was not winning and shining for Lewis Hamilton. Talking about his schooling experience, he opened up about the bullying and racism, “I think for me, the school was the most traumatizing and most difficult part of my life. I already was being bullied at the age of six.” Delving further into his childhood he added, “I was always the last one chosen, or not even chosen even if I was better than somebody else.”
Nicolas Hamilton, the rising star of British motorsports and half-brother of Lewis Hamilton has had a similar unfortunate fate. In an interview with The Independent, he opened up about the bullying he experienced due to his condition. He said, “I didn’t have a voice or a purpose in school.” Recalling the painful memories of isolation in school he confessed, “A disabled boy and only person of color in my school… kids did not want to be my friend. I was getting pulled back in my wheelchair and wasn’t able to fend for myself.”
He thanks his brother, Lewis Hamilton for helping him through his condition and the bullying he endured. “He’s still a massive reason why I’m as strong as I am and why I’m out of my wheelchair. I’m still his No 1 fan. Lewis and my dad, he has been the anchor for the whole family.”
Nicolas Hamilton did not need Lewis’ name to get in the sports car
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Even though it was the seven-time world champion’s wisdom that got him through his childhood, Nicolas insists that he had nothing to do with his racing career. With his brother’s name already the biggest in the industry, it was difficult to make his own name. However, the younger Hamilton has made enough noise to grow out of the world champion’s shadow. He has never used the Hamilton name to get into a sports car.
Nicolas Hamilton is forging his own way on his own terms through his motorsport career. He became the first-ever disabled athlete in the British Tour Car Championship which is considered the pinnacle of British motorsports. He now looks forward to a place on the grid for 2024 BTCC.
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WATCH THIS STORY | Nicolas Hamilton’s Inspiring Tribute To Brother Lewis Hamilton Defying Disability To Make History
Hamilton remains composed and kind despite his traumatizing childhood. The past does not stop him from rattling and bettering himself. If he has accomplished anything, it is because of his hard work and perseverance. And we can only wish him luck in his future endeavors.
