“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.

“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.”

Why Nicolas Hamilton’s BTCC breakthrough is significant

Hamilton competes in a specially modified Hyundai i30 Fastback N Performance, and is the first disabled driver to race in the category.

These include a two pedal arrangement rather than the traditional three, with the clutch instead fitted to the steering wheel for hand operation. 

The controls on the wheel have also been extended to better suit him, and a specialised brake servo ensures that he is able to maintain high pressure on the brakes during longer on-track stints. 

Cerebral palsy is “an umbrella term for a group of lifelong conditions that affect movement, muscle tone, and posture. It is caused by abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain, which usually occurs before, during, or shortly after birth”, as described by charity ‘Sense’. 

Due to his condition, Hamilton has consistently been written of, with his efforts often discounted on social media, leading teams and drivers – both past and present – to defend his right to be on the grid.