Nicolas Hamilton: Beyond Being Lewis' Brother & My Fight to Be Seen For Who I am (E369)

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Sep 8, 2025

Nicolas Hamilton, a British racing driver with cerebral palsy and younger brother of F1 legend Lewis Hamilton, shares his inspiring journey. He discusses the mental health challenges he faced growing up, feeling overshadowed yet motivated by his brother's success. Hamilton emphasizes the importance of resilience, the struggles of navigating identity with a disability, and learning to embrace vulnerability. He also reflects on the unique dynamics of sibling relationships in high-pressure environments, highlighting his fight for authenticity in both life and motorsport.

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ANECDOTE

Tough-Love Childhood Built Resilience

Nicolas Hamilton describes a 'tough love' upbringing where parents refused to pick him up when he fell so he learned to get up himself.
He credits that approach for building independence and resilience through life.

ANECDOTE

Loneliness At School And Choosing A Wheelchair

Nicolas recounts being the only disabled and only person of color at school and facing isolation and bullying.
He explains choosing a wheelchair in secondary school to manage long distances and the resulting social stigma.

INSIGHT

The Smile Was A Mask

Nicolas reveals his permanent public smile was a mask hiding deep loneliness and unhappiness about his disability.
He now uses vulnerability and therapy to process those feelings and find purpose.

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Nicolas Hamilton is a British racing driver who has defied the odds to make his mark in motorsport while living with cerebral palsy. As the younger brother of Lewis Hamilton, the most successful F1 driver of all time, Nicolas has grown up around elite performance, but his own journey has been filled with challenges, setbacks, and powerful lessons about determination and self-belief.

In this episode, Jake sits down with Nicolas to explore the unseen struggles that shaped him, from feeling isolated at school to dealing with the pressure of growing up in the shadow of a world champion. Nicolas talks openly about the influence of Lewis’s mindset, the inspiration it gave him, and the unique bond they share as brothers.

He also discusses the battles many never see: the mask of happiness he wore while struggling with mental health, the expectations that weighed heavily on him, and the process of learning to be honest about his own story. Alongside this, Nicolas shares the physical demands of competing in racing and the determination that helped him achieve what once seemed impossible.

This episode offers an inspiring conversation about family, ambition, and the importance of owning your truth.

Need Support?

Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org

Mental Health Mates: mentalhealthmates.co.uk

Shout: https:giveusashout.org

IAPT: https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/adults/nhs-talking-therapies

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