Nicolas Hamilton, brother of F1 champion Lewis, joins reigning BTCC champions for 2026

Nicolas Hamilton, the brother of seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton, has secured a seat with the reigning British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) title-winning team for the 2026 season. This move marks a significant step in his own motorsport career, which he has built while managing cerebral palsy, and will see him drive for the powerhouse Team VERTU (formerly EXCELR8 Motorsport).

Why it matters:

Nicolas Hamilton's journey is a powerful narrative of perseverance in motorsport, demonstrating that drivers can compete at a high national level while overcoming significant physical challenges. His signing with the championship-winning team validates his skills and represents a major career milestone, shifting focus from being 'Lewis's brother' to being a respected competitor in his own right within the UK's premier tin-top series.

The details:

• Hamilton will drive a Hyundai i30 Fastback N Performance for Team VERTU, with backing from Draper Tools.
• He joins a formidable driver lineup that includes reigning BTCC champion Tom Ingram, Ricky Collard, and series veteran Tom Chilton, brother of former F1 driver Max Chilton.
• His BTCC experience spans six seasons since 2019 (excluding 2024), where he has driven various cars including Seat Leons, Volkswagens, and Fords, scoring points twice with a best finish of sixth at Donington Park in 2023.
• His career began in the Renault Clio UK Cup before progressing to the BTCC.

What's next:

The 2026 season will be Hamilton's most high-profile campaign yet, providing him with top-tier equipment and teammates within the BTCC paddock. This opportunity allows him to fully showcase his development and aim for consistent points finishes and potential podiums, further cementing his place as a professional racing driver independent of his famous family name.