LEWIS HAMILTON shared a heartfelt message to his younger brother after the duo both ended up on the podium on the same day.
The Formula One legend raced to a second-place finish at last weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix, his best finish yet for Ferrari.
But across the Atlantic, his brother Nicolas was upsetting the odds in the British Touring Car Championship.
The 34-year-old earned his first bit of silverware in the series at Snetterton Race Circuit near Norwich, after securing the Jack Sears Trophy.
The accolade goes to the best driver of the weekend who had not finished in a podium spot before the start of the season, allowing drivers not competing at the top of the pack a chance to distinguish themselves.
It was the first time in Hamilton‘s 167 races in the competition that he was able to lift silverware on the podium – a moment that his brother was delighted to see.
Lewis wrote to his Instagram: “I could not be more proud of my brother Nicolas. Seeing the passion and emotion on his face as he stood on his first podium was such a beautiful moment.
“For us both to be on podiums on the same day was a major. I called him the second the race ended.”
What makes Hamilton’s achievements in motorsport all the more outstanding is that he has had to overcome a life-altering disability to get there.
The racer has cerebral palsy, which in his case affects his ability to control his leg muscles.
He was told by doctors that he might never walk, but through years of training he learned to walk unaided and left his wheelchair behind.
Then he followed in his brother’s footsteps, driving a Team VERTU Hyundai i30N which has been specially modified to allow him to compete.
Lewis’ post continued: “Motorsport is not built to be inclusive. There is little to no access for people with disabilities, and no support systems to level the playing field. This is something so many take for granted.
“Despite that, despite the barriers and the people who told him it wasn’t possible, he never stopped. He fought. He adapted. He proved them wrong.
“While he will always be my kid brother, I am profoundly proud of the leader, the athlete, and the man he has become. He inspires me just as much as he inspires everyone watching his journey.
“No matter how hard it has been he has never given up. What he’s achieved is massive and I’m so happy for him. Love you bro, keep going.”
It has been a difficult season for the star, who currently sits 20th in the BTCC standings for the season.
But that was clearly not on his mind when he tearfully lifted his trophy and enjoyed a long-awaited champagne shower.
“I honestly cannot believe what has happened this weekend as I never expected to walk away from Snetterton as winner of the Jack Sears Trophy.
“My whole focus was on developing and improving myself, and to end the weekend up on the podium was the most amazing experience.
“I’m not going to, but I could happily hang my boots, gloves and helmet up after this weekend knowing that I have achieved the dream of a little boy who was told he would never walk.
“The amount of support from the BTCC paddock and from the whole community around the championship has been incredible and it was truly a surreal moment to be there on the podium seeing the everyone cheering.
“This is for everyone who has stuck by me and supported me, and even those who have doubted me as it has only fuelled my desire to reach my goal. For all those in the disabled community, hopefully this will provide further inspiration of what is possible.”
