Nic Hamilton: “Even though Hamilton is a household name within motorsport, we’re still not always heard”
While his brother may be a six-time F1 world champion and basically one of the most famous athletes in the world today, Nicolas Hamilton isn’t shy of stepping out on his own and forging his own path within motorsports. Born with Cerebral Palsy however, Nic’s racing career looked doubtful, even to his own his parents. So how did he go from being a wheelchair user to a competitor in today’s British Touring Car Championship?
“I was born into racing through my connection with Lewis. I was just completely born into the world of motorsport, and for as long as I can remember I always wanted to drive. I just didn’t think it would be possible; It was a dream I always had but something I never thought I would be able to turn into reality.” Facing the realities of his condition however, Nic, with the help of a few operations, managed to fight his battles and become more independent, finding himself able to walk and without the need to be wheeled around.
From gaming to the real thing, Hamilton then made his racing debut in 2011, racing in the Renault Clio Cup for Total Control Racing. By 2015, he’d made a name for himself by being the first disabled driver to race in the British touring car championship. As the only disabled driver currently racing against able-bodied drivers, Nic has never let his condition get the better of him. Despite needing to make certain modifications to his car (something he admits he finds super frustrating), Nic is something like a Paralympian competing against Olympians. It’s just the most inspiring story.
Despite his career thus far however, Hamilton hasn’t had quite all the same luck as his older brother within his own motorsports career. “I struggled a lot with sponsorship opportunities, and had to learn to be a CEO, a marketing manager and a racing driver all in one.” He learnt to push through emails and networking and understood the importance of building personal relationships. “You have to understand yourself as a brand, so that instead of people feeling sorry for you, they’re behind you because you’re good for business”. Nic now believes he is getting to that point. “I see it as life being 10% physical and 90% physical, so it doesn’t matter how talented you are, I believe if you’re not there mentally you’re not going to extract the most from yourself.”
He may class himself as mentally strong, but in terms of equality and inclusion for others as well as himself, Nic’s disappointment in the governing bodies is pretty evident. “Even though the Hamilton name is now a household name within motorsports, we’re still not always heard. And that worries me.” As a disabled racing driver he truly believes there is still plenty more change to be implemented. Even things which may seem more insignificant to able-bodied people, such as disability access to the paddock, are huge obstacles for Nic. “I would love to sit on the board for motorsport UK and help them understand a different point of view.”
“There’s so many people with disabilities who love motorsport yet they can’t get anywhere near a racetrack because it’s just so inaccessible. There’s still so much to be done. The people higher up need to understand and hear peoples stories.”
Nic believes change needs to start from the ground up. Though he holds his hands up and believes he doesn’t quite have all the answers, he feels his contributions could add much value; and considering his story so far, we don’t doubt him.
So, with Lewis’ legacy and the change Nic is still hoping to bring about, it seems that the Hamiltons are so much more than just racing drivers. But truly? The world seems to be a better place for it.
To hear more about how Nic has defied the odds, his frustrations with his condition and his own motorsport goals, listen to the full podcast below or subscribe on all major podcast platforms.
