As Lewis Hamilton embarks on his new journey with Ferrari in Formula One, his brother, Nicolas Hamilton, has announced a remarkable comeback to the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) after a 20-month hiatus. Nicolas, who lives with cerebral palsy, revealed that he faced immense mental health challenges during this period but is now ready to return stronger, backed by Un-Limited Motorsport (ULM). He will race a Cupra Leon alongside teammates Dexter Patterson and Max Hall, determined to continue his mission of promoting inclusivity for disabled individuals in motorsports.
A Difficult Journey to Recovery
Nicolas Hamilton took to Instagram on Thursday to share the emotional news with his followers. In his heartfelt post, he opened up about the struggles he endured since stepping away from the championship following his historic P6 finish in 2023. “After having to walk away from the championship following my historic P6 result back in 2023, I went into a very difficult place mentally, where any thoughts of racing and getting back on the grid again seemed unachievable,” Hamilton wrote.
However, a lifeline arrived in December 2024 when Un-Limited Motorsport presented an unexpected opportunity. Seizing the chance, Nicolas committed himself to therapy, working diligently to regain a healthier mental state while securing the sponsorship required to make his return possible
. “After 20 months away, I am so proud to say that I am BACK!” he declared, signaling his readiness to compete once again.
A New Chapter, Same Mission
For Nicolas, his return is about much more than just racing. His comeback in 2025 is driven by a deeper purpose—continuing to champion the cause of disability representation in motorsport.
“2025 is a new chapter, but my mission remains unchanged: bringing disability to the forefront of my motorsport,” he stated. “It is not about hiding from your condition, difficulties, or struggles—it is about embracing them with pride and living to the edges of your own personal limits and abilities.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
As part of his renewed journey, Nicolas is determined to inspire future generations by showcasing that motorsport is an inclusive space for individuals with disabilities. In his Instagram post, he highlighted a collaborative project with the children at We Are Beams, a charity supporting disabled children and their families. Through this initiative, Nicolas aims to send a powerful message that disabled individuals have a place in motorsport, whether as racers, engineers, or in any other capacity.
Gratitude and Determination
Expressing heartfelt thanks to his sponsors and supporters, Nicolas acknowledged the collective belief in his vision and purpose. “Thank you to all my sponsors and partners who believed in me, my purpose, talent, and mission to make this all possible,” he concluded.
As Nicolas Hamilton gears up for the 2025 BTCC season, his story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the relentless pursuit of breaking barriers in motorsport. His inspiring return not only marks a personal victory but also paves the way for greater inclusivity and representation in the world of racing.