LEWIS HAMILTON'S DRIVING FORCE
Handicapped brother inspires me to Formula One glory
A HUMBLE wheelchair symbolises Lewis Hamilton's quest for F1 immortality.
The 23-year-old British superstar bids to become the youngest world champion in the sport's history in Brazil next Sunday.
He will do so in his powerful 200mph McLaren-Mercedes.
But it is a powerless four-wheeled single-seater that represents the inspiration behind his spectacular surge to glory.
Add your good luck messages to Lewis in the comment section below
It belongs to his handicapped younger brother Nic, who suffers from cerebral palsy, but who Hamilton regards as his driving force.
"I am nothing compared to Nic," said Hamilton. "I am in awe of him when I am around him.
"Everyone notices him when he walks into a room. He is my inspiration."
Hamilton actually sits in his 16-year-old brother's wheelchair when they play basketball together on the makeshift court at their family home in Hertfordshire just to get some idea of what it feels like to be handicapped.
He added: "I feel so blessed that I have been born with no problems.
"I love the body and the life I have been given. I am blessed.
"In his life Nic can't do the same things I can. He can't get in the car and drive it like I can. He can't play football, basketball or tennis properly but we work around it. When we play basketball, sometimes we will play in a wheelchair together or I will give myself a handicap.
"But he never likes me to be handicapped. He wants me to be exactly the same.
"So it is hard for Nic as I win at everything when we play together.
"I am such a competitor I never let him win at anything, even though I should.
"He might fall, but he gets back up and just keeps pushing and he is always smiling.
"Everyday he shows me that it would be selfish to feel sad or negative about any problems I have.
"There are so many people in the world who have much bigger problems than anything I will ever come across.
"I just have to be very appreciative of everything I have been given."
Hamilton showed the world the special bond that exists between the pair after last Sunday's Chinese Grand Prix victory which put Lewis seven points clear of his nearest title challenger, Ferarri's Felipe Massa.
Nic was the first person Hamilton embraced after leaping out of his car in the winner's enclosure (below) before sharing his victory moment with his mother Carmen Lockhart and his stepmum Linda.
Lewis also gave Nic his cherished winner's trophy after his first Monaco Grand Prix victory earlier this season.
Nic is one of the most popular visitors in the McLaren motorhome where he amazes their VIP guests by completing the frustrating Rubik's Cube puzzle in less than a minute.
Hamilton is often joined by his brother on the DJ stand when they party at nightclubs after races and he admits Nic is BETTER than him at one thing.
Lewis added: "My brother is the coolest guy ever. He is such a huge character, the biggest guy I know. And Nic is a fantastic drummer. I can't beat him but I have bought a set so I can catch him up!"
But it is Massa who is now playing catch-up with Hamilton.
Lewis needs to finish only fifth in Brazil next weekend to become champion at the tender age of 23 years and 301 days.
That would beat the record for youngest champion, which is held by old enemy Fernando Alonso, who was 24 years and 58 days when he won his first world title in 2005.
Hamilton will also become the first black driver to win the title if he sees off Massa in the Brazilian's Sao Paulo stronghold.
The triumph, in only his second season, would put him on par with Tiger Woods, who broke down the race barrier in golf. But Hamilton insists he should not be called the next Tiger, saying he is something new.
Hamilton, whose grandparents came to Britain from Grenada in the 1950's, added: "I am proud of where I come from. I am proud of who I am. I have never arrived at the race track and thought I am the only black guy here.
"But all through my life I have had some troubles so it has never been something I forgot. It was thrown at me that I'd be the first black F1 driver and the next Tiger Woods.
"But that doesn't appeal to me that much. What does appeal is the possibility of doing something new. That's really exciting. All my life I've wanted to come up with a great fresh new idea and I am that idea.
"I am something different so that is really cool and so I use it.
"There is not one bit of my life that I take for granted. I have got a great opportunity and I will make sure that I will come out on top."
And Hamilton believes his success is also attracting people from other races into motorsport.
He added: "Years ago I went to a couple of events and never saw one black person, not even Indians. But at a recent race there were so many black people. That's good as the sport should be open to everyone.
"I hope I can inspire some young kids but they don't have to be black. Motor racing is not just for one type of person. Everyone should try it."
Hamilton missed out on becoming the first rookie to win the title last year when he was beaten by Ferrari ace Kimi Raikkonen by just one point.
And he added: "Who would have thought I'd have been leading the world championship in my first season?
"But then small things stopped me from winning it. I believe that was fate. Things happen for a reason.
"I have been working my whole life and have had so many ambitions.
"But if I had done them all in one year it would not have been cool. I would have thought: 'I am 22 years old and I have won the world championship, got poles and set fastest laps. Now what?'
"I think it was good I didn't win it last year. If I had done it too early I am sure it would have affected me permanently.
"Perhaps I wouldn't be pushing so much now and in the future. Last year was a good way to put an imprint in the sport.
"I can stay here now for as long as I want but people know what I can do. I have only been in the sport 20 months but I am comfortable here."
And if he gets the four points he needs to be world champion next Sunday, Lewis and Nic will surely throw the brother of all parties . . .
This article has 38 comments
You said God was with you in China. Yes and He answered our prayers in Brazil, in a dramatic, dazzling, exciting fashion. Even though all seemed lost with seconds to go, you had the guts, persistance, and faith to win through, and snatch victory when we feared the chance had gone. A wonderful inspiring effort. As a man Hertfordshire born and bred, I salute you. Lots of blessings. God be with you and your family; and indeed with Ron Dennis and all involve with you.
By Stephen Dolley. Posted November 3 2008 at 5:32 PM.
hi my name is carina , i am a big fan of you and would love you to go far in your correr , iloveyou
come on mate you can do it :)
xxxx
By carina archer. Posted November 3 2008 at 9:52 AM.
hi , my name is shannon i am a big fan i love u !! u are the best racer i have ever seen i get really excited with i see u on tele good luck and i hope yougo far in your career. xxxxxxxx
By shannon reilly. Posted November 3 2008 at 9:52 AM.
Congratulations Lewis and the McLaren Team. I have been following F1 for many years and this has to be the best yet. You are the man! I nearly had a penguin watching the final lap in Brazil. Wonderful to read about you and Nic, I am a volunteer with a disabled sailing group, I appreciate what is involved. Bless you both.
By John T. Posted November 3 2008 at 7:33 AM.
I, being deaf, can perfectly understand how Lewis has shown his full respect towards his brother. I am really proud of him. May he continue winning many races ahead.
By Martin Bogard. Posted November 2 2008 at 9:12 PM.
Well done
By will. Posted November 2 2008 at 8:14 PM.
I never watched F1 until Lewis Hamilton....Now my husband and I pray for him every sunday and we burn a little candle at the alter for good-luck!
We are proud of you ,you are the best ever and that title is yours ,so go get it boy!
By Caroline . Posted November 2 2008 at 7:21 AM.
Come on lewis you can do this, been with you every step of the way,be cheering like mad in Brazil.
By Donna Allan. Posted November 2 2008 at 1:48 AM.
Lewis I have enjoyed every race I have seen you take part in!! I am new as a spectator of F1 but am with every diehard fan in wishing you the very best opportunities tomorrow - please take it easy and watch your step with those lessor drivers behind you!!
It will be great to see your name as the youngest F1 Champion - I will keep my fingers and toes crossed for you. Good Luck!!
By Anne. Posted November 1 2008 at 11:49 PM.
Hallo Mate, Hope that you win in sundays race. And I also hope that you bring this country UK together, because it seesm that this country has sadly bad issues with Muliculturism. Hopefully when you win we can all all be proud of living here.
Cheers from your friends in south London.
By Bila Hersi. Posted November 1 2008 at 4:20 PM.
LEWIS, I AM A 62 YEAR OLD BLACK AMERICAN MAN, WHO'S GREATEST DESIRE IN IN HIS EARLY 20'S WAS TO DRIVE IN F1, I HAVE BEEN WAITING 40 YEARS FOR THIS, I HAVE NO MISGIVINGS THAT YOU WILL DO YOUR BEST AND IF IS GODS WILL YOU WILL WIN AND YOU WILL BE THE FIRST AND THE YOUNGEST, NEVER LET THEM SEE YOU SWEAT. GOD SPEED YOUNG TURK.
By M. ROGERS. Posted November 1 2008 at 1:43 AM.
God will be on your side on sunday. All you need is to avoid an accident. With your talent and pace, you do not need to push too hard to finish among the first three. Remember you do not have to win the race. Caution is the word. Its all yours. Go get it and make us proud.
By eric. Posted October 30 2008 at 7:11 PM.
Although I am a Ferrari supporter I would be happy for you and especially for your brother. Honestly I beleive that you are the best driver in F1.Good Luck!
By George Glanville (Malta). Posted October 30 2008 at 4:28 PM.
We are with you Lewis all the way, only God can stop you. Lets keep the faith
By Hassan. Posted October 30 2008 at 11:59 AM.
Go on my son. Teach them spoilt bratts a lesson and show them up for the talentless rich kids that they are. You're one of the only fellas out there who hasn't purchased his ride and it shows. You're the best mate, now stick it up um!
By Troy W. Posted October 29 2008 at 10:40 PM.
We are all Behind You LEWIS!!
The Title is Yours...Bring it Home.
Wishing you the best...GOD SPEED.
From The United States of America...Where some of your BIGGEST Fans Love You.
By Freeman. Posted October 29 2008 at 3:22 AM.
Come on Lewis! For England my Son! 1 more race you need to win! you can do it!!! all the best buddy! I saw you in singapore! you just got unlucky
By MrRix. Posted October 27 2008 at 4:21 PM.
ride on lewis
am behind you
the title is yours
By castro, ghana. Posted October 27 2008 at 10:36 AM.
Go Lewis , get it done , do it for your brother and all the fans. Good luck
By John. Posted October 27 2008 at 1:33 AM.
Nigel Mansell, Damon Hill etc they have nothing on you!!! looking forward to seeing you lift the crown next sunday!!! go on my son!!!
By Gaz. Posted October 26 2008 at 8:58 PM.
Go on Lewis, you deserve it this year. Please do keep calm in face of all adversities thrown by the other drivers. You really show all the world what stuff you are made of by going on Nick first when out of the car.
Lewis rocks!!!
By Alan Camilleri. Posted October 26 2008 at 9:13 PM.
GO LEWIS......DO the Bizz.. for Nic AND THE REST OF US....HAVEnt missed a grand prix since you started in F1. Your an insperation to us all...GOOD LUCK for Sunday.....
By andy long. Posted October 26 2008 at 8:36 PM.
GO LEWIS......DO the Bizz.. for Nic AND THE REST OF US....HAVEnt missed a grand prix since you started in F1. Your an insperation to us all...GOOD LUCK for Sunday.....
By andy long. Posted October 26 2008 at 8:34 PM.
If he can keep his head and he doesnt loose his way around the track in Brazil, he will win this year. Just dont panic.
By Rob Burns. Posted October 26 2008 at 6:58 PM.
lewis you are a inspration to all ... now go and win for nic and rest of us .good luckl .
By jj. Posted October 26 2008 at 2:22 PM.
debo your a prat come on lewis
By scott. Posted October 26 2008 at 12:47 PM.
Lewis it's yours for the taking my friend just watch out for the ferrari cheats & finnish 1st go for it & good luck to your bro. BILL.
By Bill smith. Posted October 26 2008 at 12:25 PM.
I hope it all goes well in Brazil and he can get the points he needs to become champion. I think Lewis has added something into F1 in terms of the people follwing the sport now. GOOD LUCK Lewis and the whole Mclaren team.
By Dave Mangombe. Posted October 26 2008 at 12:36 PM.
I believe everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I cant help thinking that the 'Lewis Is Arrogant' campaign is a bit 'Emporers new Clothes'! if enough people say it then it must be true, right?. Wrong!, the evidence Ive seen is totally to the contrary. Good luck next weekend Lewis, we are proud of you; keep the faith!
By KC. Posted October 26 2008 at 11:08 AM.
Best of luck, we all hope you win next weekend. It is so good to see the picture of mum and step mum together celebrating your victory - if only more families could be like that instead of fighting. No wonder you and Nic are such great guys.
By maggie. Posted October 26 2008 at 11:00 AM.
You deserve it Lewis, all the luck in the world next weekend, you will do the country proud, just as you always do. Don't listen to the people who talk you down; they have only one reason for doing it - you showed them last weekend you have more courage and strength and talent than the rest, so go do yourself proud, we know you will. God bless.
By Kay. Posted October 26 2008 at 9:21 AM.
Go for it Lewis. Life is all about history. Otherwise, it would not be worth living. Break Records. Break Barriers.
Stand Up for Lewis, F1 World Champion!
By Debo. Posted October 26 2008 at 8:52 AM.
Lewis is an arrogant **** and I hope to god he doesn't win!! Come on Ferrari!
By Katie. Posted October 26 2008 at 8:21 AM.
just go for it fair and square. you deserve it.
By scott lowry. Posted October 26 2008 at 6:49 AM.
Lewis is a great sportsman as well as a compassionate human being, i genuinely hope he wins next weekend and gives Britain something to smile about during this financial crisis.
Good luck mate.
By Kieran Campbell. Posted October 26 2008 at 4:46 AM.
Keep your cool Boy, well knowing that you just need to finish No.5. Beware of Alonso's antics to run you into punic. What a weekend with Lewis the Champion and Barack as the next President!!!
By kaija. Posted October 26 2008 at 4:38 AM.
Lewis, you are not Schumacher or Senna, you are Lewis Hamilton - the best ever!
By A Parker. Posted October 26 2008 at 1:08 AM.
I know for sure Lewis is going to win it for his brother. Good luck Lewis! Go Lewis.......
By marlyselina. Posted October 26 2008 at 1:49 AM.