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      Inside Lewis Hamilton’s close bond with brother Nicolas – including £70k gift before tragic slide into debt & addiction

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      GROWING up in the shadow of a world-famous sibling cannot be easy – least of all when that person is Lewis Hamilton. But according to his half-brother Nicolas, 32, the seven-world Formula 1 champion has supported him and his career at every turn… except for financially.Lewis and Nicolas Hamilton have always been ‘super close’Credit: GettyWatching Lewis race as a youngster inspired Nicolas to get into motorsportCredit: instagramNicolas has been Lewis’s plus-one for many star-studded and glamorous eventsCredit: GettyRecently, the 32-year-old hit out at claims his career in the British Touring Car Championships (BTCC) was being “bankrolled” by Lewis, who is reportedly worth £270million.Nicolas also spoke out about developing an “all-consuming” gambling addiction in 2017 that lost him thousands of pounds and left him feeling suicidal. To pay off his debts, he was forced to sell his “pride and joy” – a midnight blue Mercedes C63 gifted to him on his 24th birthday by Lewis.Nicolas, who told The Times “gambling is no longer an issue” last week, has faced many struggles throughout his life.READ MORE ON SPORTAnd it’s been his brother Lewis who has helped him to overcome many of the obstacles, as we reveal. ‘Didn’t treat me differently’At 18 months old, Nicolas was diagnosed with spastic diplegia – a form of cerebral palsy that affects his balance and movement.Doctors predicted he would never be able to run or walk but today, the 32-year-old can walk unaided and no longer uses his wheelchair.His many achievements include becoming the first disabled racer to compete against able-bodied racers at the BTCC in 2015 and achieving a career-best at Donnington Park last year.Most read in MotorsportNicolas believes Lewis played a part in him becoming the person his it today and much of his sibling’s help dates back to their childhood. While most brothers often bicker, fight and have a friendly rivalry that wasn’t the case for the Hamilton brothers – instead, the youngster felt encouraged by Lewis.  Nicolas Hamilton gives fans a tour of his specially modified British Touring Car for the 2019 BTCC seasonHe recalled: “We used to go outside and play basketball. He didn’t treat me any differently, so we would still run races, which I obviously wouldn’t win. “It never upset me, it actually spurred me on to either run faster or become more mobile. I don’t think that was his plan but it was the effect he had on me. “It has never been ‘I want to be better than him, bigger than him’, and I don’t think he ever wanted to be bigger or better than me.”Bully planNicolas’s school years weren’t easy. He recalled bullies regularly “taking the mick” out of how he walked and mocking him for being in a wheelchair. Nicolas has cerebral palsy, which affects the movement in his lower bodyCredit: InstagramLewis gave his brother tips to stop bullies from picking on himCredit: InstagramMost weekends, Nicolas and his family watched Lewis’s races in the UK and EuropeCredit: InstagramHe told the Independent: “Kids did not want to be my friend. I was getting pulled back in my wheelchair and wasn’t able to fend for myself”.On In The Pink podcast, Nicolas said it was Lewis – who took up martial arts after being bullied at school himself – who came up with a plan to help.He recalled: “[Lewis] said, ‘If people are laughing at this wheelchair that you’re in, then why don’t we make it cool and do some cool things in it?’“He taught me how to do wheelies and stuff in the wheelchair, and I almost became like a Tony Hawk skateboarder in my wheelchair.“I started jumping stairs and trying to be cool. That helped me through it. It was a character-building moment, so I’m glad I went through it.”‘Planted seed’Nicolas spent “every weekend” travelling with his family to watch Lewis’s races around the UK and Europe when he was younger.”I became a real racing nerd,” he admitted. “I knew all the drivers and talked about karting all the time.” It seems spending so much time in the motorsport world rubbed off on Nicolas and would help to shape his future career. He taught me how to do wheelies and stuff in the wheelchair, and I almost became like a Tony Hawk skateboarder in my wheelchair.Nicolas HamiltonLewis encouraged Nicolas to go into racing at 18 after spotting how naturally talented he was on a simulator.Nicolas told The Times: “Lewis could see that I was good on a simulator. He planted the seed in my mind.” Nicolas became determined to stop using his wheelchair in his teensCredit: GettyAt 18, his talent for simulator work was recognised by LewisCredit: AlamyThe Hamilton brothers at Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2011Credit: GettyBy then Nicolas had stopped using his wheelchair after spending time strength training so he could walk unaided. In 2011, he made his racing debut at the Renault Clio Cup in a modified car. But that year – had it not been for his sibling – could have been his last in motorsport.While competing on the Thruxton Circuit, in Hampshire, known for being the fastest in the UK, he had a terrifying crash. Nicolas lost control of his vehicle and struck a tyre barrier at 100mph. He was knocked out by the collision and had to be pulled out of his smoking vehicle by a marshal. Pretty much everyone presumes that Lewis bankrolls me in my motorsport career, that he pays for everything and provides endless opportunities because of his wealth and success in the sport, but it’s just not true.NicolasMany would have lost their nerve after such a terrifying incident but not Nicolas, who four years later became the first disabled driver to compete in the BTCC.He revealed it was his brother’s wise words that kept him racing. After the crash, Lewis advised him to take the corner again “as fast as he could as if nothing had happened”. Sports car giftCurrently, Nicolas is on a break from the BTCC while trying “to find half a million pounds” to fund his racing career. For now, he is working as a developer for driving games and a motivational speaker.He explained Lewis has been supportive of his racing dreams but has “never put a penny into my motorsport”. I don’t go to his races anymore. I haven’t for a long time… To see Lewis I would have to take a lot of time away from my life.NicolasIn Nicolas’s memoir, Now That I Have Your Attention, he wrote: “I know pretty much everyone presumes that Lewis bankrolls me in my motorsport career, that he pays for everything and provides endless opportunities because of his wealth and success in the sport, but it’s just not true; it is also something that I would never want or accept.”While Nicolas says his brother hasn’t financed his career in any way, he has splashed out on his sibling.Nicolas had to sell the Mercedes C63 (above) that Lewis gave him for his birthdayCredit: instagramLewis describes himself as his brother’s ‘No1 fan’Credit: Instagram / @lewishamiltonFor his 24th birthday, Lewis gifted him a midnight blue C63 Mercedes – thought to be worth around £70,000.Nicolas recalls: “We went out to the car park and he said, ‘Wow, look at that car, that’s so cool.’ It was a midnight blue C63 Mercedes. “I think I described it as ‘amazing’ and then he held out the key and said, ‘Happy birthday.’ I was gobsmacked. I remember him saying, ‘It’s insured, it’s ready to go, just drive it home.’”The gift was Nicolas’s “pride and joy” but in 2017, he was forced to sell it to pay off a tax bill that he couldn’t afford due to blowing thousands of pounds on gambling.‘No1 fan’ In recent years, Nicolas has admitted he has been unable to follow his brother as he races around the world but remains his “No1 fan”.He said: “I don’t go to his races anymore. I haven’t for a long time… To see Lewis I would have to take a lot of time away from my life.”In 2020, when Lewis secured his 92nd career win, which surpassed the record of legendary racer Michael Schumacher, his sibling gushed with pride online.He wrote: “Although I was not there, I live your emotions with an immense amount of pride! I am speechless, but always knew you had it in you.“I’m so grateful to have you as my brother… Here is to many more victories to put that record out of reach! Love always, your number 1 fan.”The siblings regularly share throwback photographs celebrating each other’s achievements – often with the hashtag #HamBrothers, in reference to their surname.Undercover spectatorLewis covered up to avoid being a distraction at Nicolas’s race last yearCredit: InstagramNicolas achieved a personal best while Lewis watched on (left) from the sidelinesCredit: InstagramWhen Lewis isn’t on the racetrack, he has sneaked in trips to watch his sibling race but chooses to keep a low profile. The F1 champion has been known to cover up to avoid diverting attention from his sibling’s achievements. Last year, when Nicolas achieved a personal best finishing sixth at Donnington Park, Lewis was watching from the sidelines in a long black coat with his hood up, a hat and a dark facemask.Gushing with pride, Lewis later said: “He got sixth in the race and I was just standing in the crowd just watching as a fan. I was so excited!“And no one knew that I was there actually, I was just jumping up and down trying to support him.”Lewis was unable to spend time with his brother in the pitlanes after the race but fuelled his confidence in a touching call afterwards.WHO COULD REPLACE HAMILTON AT MERCEDES? Mercedes will have a vacant seat for 2025.
      Here, SunSport’s F1 correspondent Ben Hunt looks at FIVE potential candidates who could replace him and partner George Russell in the Silver Arrows.
      Oscar Piastri – McLaren have sewn up Lando Norris to a new long-term contract that should (in theory) put him out of Mercedes’ reach. However, they are yet to tie down his teammate Piastri, 22. The Aussie has an excellent record and won the Formula 3 and Formula 2 titles before spending a year on the sidelines with Alpine and getting his chance in F1 with McLaren. He impressed on his debut season last year and has the potential to be a world champion.
      Daniel Ricciardo – The experienced driver’s future remains in doubt as he bides his time at Red Bull’s B-team. Ricciardo would be low-hassle and offer some stability but by that time he would be 35. It seems unlikely that they would opt for him at this point in his career, but if he has a good season this year, he could come into the reckoning.
      Kimi Antonelli – You may not have heard of the Italian, but he is mustard. Still only 17, he has won at all the junior categories and has been part of the Mercedes young driver programme since 2019. This season he has been promoted from F4 to F2, where he has been tipped to shine. A good debut season in F2 could sway Mercedes into taking a risk on him for 2025. Antonelli and his family are close to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.
      Mick Schumacher – Wolff has always been so incredibly supportive of Schumacher and spoken highly of him, that you’d at least expect him to come into consideration. He knows the team from his role as reserve driver and consequently would get up to speed. But speed is also the problem. He was shocking at Haas and if he really was THAT good, he’d still be driving in F1.
      Alex Albon – A more-sensible choice would be the London-born Albon. A great guy who is also very quick. He has a fantastic relationship with Russell and would be the low-maintenance quick partnership similar to Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas that swept to successive titles. Albon would take little convincing to join from Williams and Mercedes would not need to pay him half of the £50million they were dishing out to Hamilton.

      Nicolas recalled: “He was like, ‘You drove f***ing amazing’ and for him to say that to me, it means so much. “After all these years of me watching him from the sidelines, him having success and that sort of stuff, now he’s watching me. It’s full circle.”Lewis regularly says how “incredibly proud” he is of his brother, who he lists as his inspiration, and praises him for being “such a great voice” for those with cerebral palsy.The F1 champ said: “He’s obviously racing in a series and a sport where there is not a lot of access… there is no access for people who particularly are disabled. And he stands for so much.“It’s been difficult – he’s been fighting to try and make up for the disability he has with his legs and it’s a continuous fight.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd the feeling is mutual, with Nicolas saying: “I could talk about him forever because my life has revolved around him – but not through hateful eyes, just pure pride. I’m his biggest fan.”Nicolas Hamilton’s memoir, Now That I Have Your Attention: 7 Lessons In Leading A Life Bigger Than They Expect, is out now.Nicolas details his gambling addiction and other struggles in his memoirCredit: Instagram More

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      I went through a period where I hated my life but now I wouldn’t change it for the world, says Lewis Hamilton’s brother

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      LEWIS HAMILTON’S brother admits going through a period where “I hated life” — but now “wouldn’t change it for the world.”Nicolas Hamilton, 32, is the half-brother of Formula One legend and Mercedes ace Lewis.Lewis Hamilton’s half-brother Nicolas has opened up over his struggles with his disabilityCredit: Instagram / @lewishamiltonNicolas lives with a form of cerebral palsyCredit: GettyHe lives with a form of cerebral palsy and made history as the first disabled driver in the British Touring Car Championship.Hamilton will now lift the lid on his incredible racing career in his new memoir Now That I Have Your Attention.The book also reveals all about how he frittered away thousands on gambling in a six-month binge, leaving him depressed and suicidal.He was even forced to sell a gift from Lewis, a Mercedes C63, to settle a large tax bill.READ MORE IN F1And Hamilton has also explained his struggles with his disability, admitting there was a time when he “hated life” because of it.But after becoming one of the country’s most sought-after motivational speakers, he now wouldn’t “change it for the world.”Nicolas said: “I went through a period where I hated life. I hated my condition. I didn’t understand why I was the way I was and why I was given my condition and why I couldn’t be like my friends, who were all able bodied. “But now I wouldn’t change it for the world and I’m so grateful to have it. I try to always play with the cards I’ve dealt in the best way possible. Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”I strive every day to overcome any barrier that comes in front of me. It could be the smallest or the biggest barriers, but I tackle them each the same.“The only person that can tell me I can’t do things is me.”Lewis Hamilton reveals why he turned down Top Gun 2 role despite begging Tom Cruise for a part in movie Nicolas became the first disabled driver on the British Touring Car ChampionshipCredit: AlamyHe now wouldn’t change his disability ‘for the world’Credit: AlamyNicolas has been supported through his journey by LewisCredit: InstagramThe siblings have a strong bond with each otherCredit: GettyNicolas was born two months premature and spent his first six weeks in intensive care.He was then diagnosed at 18 months with spastic diplegia, affecting balance and muscle movement his lower body. Doctors even predicted he would never be able to walk or run.And Nicolas continued: “I would say I’m a very resilient person. I never take ‘no’ as an answer and I believe that the only person that can tell me I can’t do things is me. “So regardless of what people say, I make my own decisions and I thrive off negative criticism. If someone told me I couldn’t do something, I’d do my utmost to prove them wrong. “On life with a disability, Nicolas explained: “I would say with my condition, I’ve been a great problem solver, over the years; always trying to find ways of getting out of situations or overcoming certain obstacles. “It could be the most difficult of obstacles to the simplest of obstacles such as maybe carrying a bowl of cereal to your desk and not spilling it. “I think I have many qualities. I don’t like talking about myself, believe it or not, even though I am a speaker, and I have to talk about myself. But I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved, and what I’ve overcome. “I’m a very solid human. It’s not always been that easy: I’ve had a lot of ups and downs but I think generally I would say resilience is everything for me and I’m proud of what I’ve achieved and hopefully, there’s more to come from me in the future.”I would say mental health is a trial-and-error situationNicolas HamiltonReflecting on his mindset, Nicolas added: “Mental health, I believe, is everything. The way I like to think about it is that life is 90 per cent mental and 10 per cent physical. It doesn’t really matter how physically fit you are and how strong you are if you’re not there mentally. “If you don’t believe in yourself mentally, then I personally believe that you’re never going to achieve your full potential. Now I would say mental health is a trial-and-error situation. “It’s all about working out what works for you. Sometimes what people tell you would work, sometimes it doesn’t and what works for others doesn’t necessarily work for you personally. “How I go about to try and build myself mentally is trying to find ways that I know helped me and stay true to my vision, to my desire. “Also I think what a key thing of overcoming a bit of mental toughness and struggles is going through failure as well. I think failure is also very key. You’ve got to learn how to fail before you can succeed. That is how I feel. READ MORE SUN STORIES“And so with every failure I have, I feel like it only gets stronger and stronger and my, have I had a lot of failures. And I think that’s sort of what’s made me who I am today. “But it’s a never-ending journey and with every day that goes past, you learn something new about yourself.”YOU’RE NOT ALONEEVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide
      It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
      It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
      And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
      Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
      That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
      The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
      Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
      If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support: More

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      F1 world champion selling £1.8million supercar that is one of only seven ever made – and will teach you how to drive it

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      MIKA HAKKINEN will teach someone to drive his limited edition supercar – if they can find the estimated £1.8m to buy his McLaren at auction.The two-time F1 champ has enlisted the help of international auction house Bonhams to sell his motor.This McLaren supercar could be yours for just £1.8mCredit: mediadrumimagesIt boasts a top speed of 217mphCredit: mediadrumimagesThis particular model is one of only SEVEN madeCredit: mediadrumimagesThe stunning model is one of just seven VP prototypes ever created with interest expected to be extremely high.Built in 2013, the McLaren P1 Coupe Validation Prototype 3 road car is expected to sell for between £1.3m and £1.8m in Monaco in May.The luxury automobile can rocket from nought to 62 mph in 2.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 217 mph.And one lucky buyer will get more than they bargained for.READ MORE F1 NEWSThat’s because the Flying Finn himself is throwing in a day of exclusive driving lessons for the winning bidder.Hakkinen’s car, used for durability testing, is the only one to head for sale.The P1 was his first road-going custom McLaren and he even picked out the black colour scheme, featuring orange accents in the team’s signature shade.Hakkinen no longer drives for the iconic racing team, but he has served as an ambassador for the brand since 2017.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnd the Finnish ex-racer is no stranger to headlines.The 55-year-old created a buzz from the moment he started racing in the sport’s junior categories.Hakkinen recovered from serious injuries to emerge as one of Michael Schumacher’s greatest rivals in the 1990s.He became McLaren’s lead driver after Ayrton Senna left for Williams-Renault in 1994.Formula One legend Sebastian Vettel says it would ‘depend on the package’ and ‘the car’ for him get behind the wheel again He became a top challenger for Schumacher when the team recruited Adrian Newey OBE – the current Red Bull chief technical officer. Newey oversaw the new McLaren MP4-13-Mercedes – which proved all-conquering during 1998.Newey is also one of the most successful designers, winning twelve Constructors’ Championships with three different teams.That includes being the brains behind three-time champion Max Verstappen’s current RB18.Hakkinen was crowned world champion in 1998 and again in 1999. More

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      ‘That wasn’t on my 2024 bingo card’, say fans as Max Verstappen’s dad Jos prepares for debut in new sport this weekend

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN’S dad Jos is set to make his British Rally Championship debut this weekend.The former Formula 1 star is on the entry list for the Rallynuts Severn Valley race in Wales.Jos Verstappen is set to make his British rally debut this weekendCredit: PAVerstappen crashed his car while racing in Spain last yearCredit: YouTube @diegoracingvideoHe will compete on British gravel for the first time in a Skoda Fabia RS Rally2 with regular co-driver Renaud Jamoul.And Verstappen – who has spoken out on the Christian Horner sext scandal – will be hoping for a better debut than he managed in Spain last year when he was involved in a high-speed crash.He drove the same car he intends to use this weekend but lost control as he crashed into a barrier on the side of the road.It resulted in the front of the Red Bull sponsored vehicle being heavily damaged.READ MORE IN SPORTBut the 52-year-old did not suffer any injuries and is now preparing to return to the driver’s seat – a move which has surprised some.One fan reacted to the news saying: “Jos Verstappen competing in the British Rally Championship wasn’t on my bingo card for 2024 but life’s full of surprises.”Another added: “That’s actually so cool.”Verstappen is no novice to rally cars, having raced in the Belgian Rally Championship while also making his World Rally Championship debut at the Ypres Rally in 2022.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe also spent nine years in F1 from 1994-2004 and competed in 106 races.Verstappen failed to win any of his races but did finish on the podium twice.Watch moment Christian Horner & Max Verstappen’s dad Jos have ‘heated’ exchange as team ‘torn apart’ by sext row More

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      Watch heart-stopping moment race car is sent flying 90 degrees in the air towards fans after ‘freak’ crash

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      FANS were left terrified after a speedway car flipped into the air and hurtled towards spectators in New Zealand.The terrifying moment saw one of the cars fly 90 degrees into the air and over the safety barriers of the track.The cars collided on a speedway cornerCredit: https://nypost.com/After the car in front rolled, the green car was sent flying verticallyCredit: https://nypost.com/Such was the speed, the car went flying towards the barriersCredit: https://nypost.com/The car went flying for the barriersCredit: https://nypost.com/The car produced sparks as it flewCredit: https://nypost.com/Somehow no one was hurt as the car hit the standsCredit: https://nypost.com/Despite the car breaching the barriers, thankfully no one was hurt.The incident came on one of the speedway turns, when the front of a lime green speedway car collided with the rear bumper of a purple rival.The collision sent the purple car rolling which in turn flipped the green car.After breaching the barriers and flying into the stands, sparks could be seen flying from the green car.READ MORE IN RACINGThe horrifying crash took place in Dunedin, New Zealand.Event organiser Jason Guteridge called the “never seen before” collision a “freak accident”.Speaking to the Otago Daily Times, Guteridge said: “We haven’t had a car breach one of our fences at a speedway venue for a very very long time. Actually, the last time that it happened – I can’t actually remember.He said the height of the speedway fences had been raised to four metres ten years ago – but a review would take place into raising them again.Most read in MotorsportA second angle showed the near-miss nature of the crashCredit: https://nypost.com/Beachlads Speedway President told The New Zealand Herald: “The drivers were OK and no one from the public was hurt.”Speedway New Zealand have also confirmed they will be reviewing the incident.Horror moment driver is thrown from car like a rag doll as it barrel rolls down beach in horror crash…but he walks away More

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      Tragedy as racing team manager is killed after ‘fatal accident with truck’ ahead of Le Mans Cup

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      GERHARD FREUNDORFER has died following a fatal accident with his team truck.Tributes have flooded in for Freundorfer, who was team manager of Proton Huber Competition.The fatal incident occurred at Circuit de Barcelona-CatalunyaCredit: GettyThe fatal incident occurred at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya earlier today.An official statement read: “The European Le Mans Series deeply regrets to have to report that on Tuesday 9 April 2024 at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya during the 4 Hours of Barcelona event an incident occurred in the Michelin Le Mans Cup paddock.”In the morning during set up, Gerhard Freundorfer, Team Manager of Proton Huber Competition, was involved in a fatal accident with his team truck.”He was quickly attended by the circuit medical staff but, unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries.”READ MORE IN RACINGPaying tribute to Freundorfer, CEO of Le Mans Endurance Management Frederic Lequien said: “On behalf of the whole endurance family I would like to extend all of our deepest condolences to the family of Gerhard Freundorfer, especially to his wife Karola, and the Proton Huber Competition team.”This is a very sad day for the endurance family.”Managing director of the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya Josep Lluis Santamaria added: “On behalf of the Circuit we deeply regret this accident and would like to extend our deepest condolences to Gerhard’s family, friends and the entire paddock of the European Le Mans Series.”While Pierre Fillon, president of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, said: “This morning we woke to the news of the death of Gerhard Freundorfer, which has saddened everyone involved in endurance racing.Most read in Motorsport”Gerhard was a member of the endurance family, and he will be sadly missed by all.”I wish to extend the condolences of everyone at the ACO to Gerhard’s family and friends.”THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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      Ferrari chief snaps at reporter over Lewis Hamilton question and issues blunt response about F1 rival

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      FERRARI chief Fred Vasseur shut down a reporter’s question about Lewis Hamilton following the Japanese Grand Prix.Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc earned the Scuderia third and fourth place at the Suzuka Circuit on Sunday.Lewis Hamilton will leave Mercedes for Ferrari at the end of the seasonCredit: GettyFerrari chief Fred Vasseur dismissed a question about Hamilton and Carlos SainzCredit: AlamyHamilton, 39, will replace Sainz at the end of the season as the seven-time champion makes the switch from Mercedes.That is despite Sainz enjoying his best start to an F1 season, winning in Australia and earning two more podiums.And Ferrari team principal Vasseur, 55, was quizzed again at the weekend about the decision to get rid of the Spaniard for Hamilton. However, he was quick to dismiss the question as he simply said: “We have the same question each weekend.READ MORE IN F1″Do a copy paste of my reply of last week. Next one.”Hamilton has endured a torrid start to his final season with Mercedes, finishing ninth in Japan to take his points total to just 10 after four races.Following another disappointing showing, one reporter asked whether the Brit is jealous of Ferrari as they clearly have a quicker car.To which he replied: “Do you have any better questions?”Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 Hamilton then walked off without taking any further questions, but did discuss his car’s performance in another interview.He said: “The car is never what I hoped it would be. It’s never what we hoped it would be.My brother Lewis Hamilton was earning £24m a year while I sat crying in filthy room eating pot noodles as gambling debts forced me to flog Mercedes he gave me”I got some damage I think in the first stint at the restart with Charles [Leclerc] and I had massive understeer, like huge, huge understeer. “So that’s why I decided to let George [Russell] by, because he seemed quicker and I just couldn’t turn the car.”It took us two stints to finally dial more and more wing in to make up for that loss. Last stint, I was better, but it was too late, I had 10 seconds to regain.”Hamilton’s Mercedes colleague George Russell finished seventh in Japan and now has a 14-point lead over his team-mate. Next up is the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai on April 21.Sainz has secured three podiums in four races so far this seasonCredit: Splash More

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      My brother Lewis Hamilton made £24m while I sat crying & eating pot noodles as gambling debts forced me to sell my car

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      SITTING inside a dirty room, unwashed and slurping a Pot Noodle, Nicolas Hamilton broke down in tears before his computer screen. The 32-year-old – the half-brother of seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis – had frittered away thousands on gambling in a six-month binge and spiralled into a deep depression that left him on the brink of suicide.Lewis Hamilton helped to inspire his half-brother Nicolas to get into racingCredit: Instagram / @lewishamiltonNicolas says he and Lewis remain each other’s ‘No1 fans’Credit: GettyThe 32-year-old made history at the 2015 BTCC racing against able-bodied driversCredit: SWNS:South West News ServiceWhat started as a £2 bet on Arsenal scoring developed into an “all-consuming” addiction to online casinos and blackjack that rarely saw him leave his room in 2017.Two years earlier Nicolas, who has a form of cerebral palsy, had made history as the first disabled driver to go up against able-bodied racers in the British Touring Car Championship. He was forced to sell off his “pride and joy”, a midnight blue Mercedes C63 gifted to him by Lewis, to settle a hefty tax bill that he couldn’t afford due to his gambling and “naivety” about finances.In his memoir Now That I Have Your Attention, Nicolas speaks out about that dark time, which left him on the verge of ending his life.READ MORE ON SPORTHe wrote: “I felt so ashamed, using this amazing gift to pay my tax bill. “It felt like I had practically stolen the money from my brother and I have never forgiven myself for that.“It destroyed me. I got a real wake-up call. I had no way of going forward because I’d lost everything. “I was stuck. I had a balcony at my flat and I was thinking what would I do if I just jumped off it.”Most read in Motorsport Inside glamorous life of Lewis Hamilton’s brother Nic with racing career and Instagram model girlfriendNicolas’ struggles came three years into Lewis’ racing career with Mercedes, in 2017, when he was paid £24million a year – not including funds from sponsorships and endorsements.Yet he felt unable to confide in his half-brother, or his parents, and relied on daily calls to Samaritans over a difficult two-week period. Nicolas has since overcome his addiction – even able to take a trip to Las Vegas casinos recently without having a flutter – and says he’s grateful that “gambling is no longer an issue”.Recalling his difficult moments, he told The Times: “I wanted more of the winnings – and the losing didn’t really deter me. It just got me in a cycle.Nicolas followed half-brother Lewis into racing but says he is always ‘compared’ to the F1 world championCredit: InstagramNicolas was diagnosed with a form of cerebral palsy at 18 months oldCredit: InstagramIt was Lewis who recognised Nicolas’ talent on a driving simulatorCredit: Instagram“I couldn’t stop thinking about it — I just wanted to go back to my computer. The whole day would go quite easily. “I could see it was a problem but I was too far in. I was scared to stop. I’d lost so much money that I felt like, if I stopped, I was in a hole that I wouldn’t get out of.” After admitting all to his parents, Nicolas says they were “supportive” and “felt sorry for me”. He’s never spoken to Lewis about selling the Mercedes, which was bought for him as a surprise 24th birthday present.’Lewis spurred me on’Overcoming gambling addiction was just one of many struggles Nicolas has battled throughout his life.In 1992, he was born two months premature and spent the first six weeks of his life battling to survive in intensive care. At 18 months old, Nicolas was diagnosed with spastic diplegia, which affects his balance and muscle movement in the lower half of his body. Doctors predicted he would never be able to walk or run.Even at my most vulnerable moment, when I was in the midst of experiencing the scariest, closest-to-death moment of my life, people will still compare me with himNicolas HamiltonGambling addiction: five warning signsIS someone you know gambling more than they can afford to lose? Are you concerned they may be addicted? If so, read GamCare’s list of five signs to take note of.

      1) Being withdrawn – Have they stopped socialising? Addicts can lose interest in their usual activities or hobbies. Often they choose not to spend time with family or friends – in favour of staying at home – and when they do they may constantly check their phone.  
      2) Mood change – Are they acting differently? There could be noticeable changes in their mood and behaviour, which could include looking worried, agitated or upset for no apparent reason. 
      3) Sleeping problems – Do they constantly seem tired? Chasing losses and losing money can cause sleeping issues. Anxiety or constant worry can lead plays to be up at all hours. Some gamblers play during the night, which can disturb their sleeping pattern. 
       4) Financial concerns – Has money gone missing from bank accounts or are they regularly short of money and need to borrow money? This could be a sign. Some feel pressure to take out loans to generate income. 
      5) Lying – Do they lie about what they do with their time? Many feel expected to provide for others. If they are hiding a gambling addiction they may be scared of their problem being found out and feel very low wrongly believing they have let people down. 
      Do these warning signs apply to your loved one? GamCare runs the National Gambling Helpline. Freephone 0808 8020 133 or talk via web chat at: www.gamcare.org.uk. They provide information, advice and support for anyone affected by gambling. Advisers are available 24/7, every day of the year. 

      The disability meant much of his teens was spent in a wheelchair, which led to bullying from classmates.He recalled them mimicking him while he attempted to walk with mobility aids and try to tip him over while in his wheelchair.Nicolas told The Independent: “I didn’t have a voice or a purpose in school – a disabled boy and only person of colour in my school… kids did not want to be my friend. I was getting pulled back in my wheelchair and wasn’t able to fend for myself.”Growing up, he had a strong bond with Lewis – admitting they “were super close” – and says his sibling would encourage him to take part in sports.Nicolas said: “We used to go outside and play basketball. He didn’t treat me any differently, so we would still run races, which I obviously wouldn’t win. “It never upset me. It actually spurred me on to either run faster or become more mobile. I don’t think that was his plan but it was the effect he had on me.” Lewis encouraged Nicolas to learn wheelchair ‘tricks’ to deter bullies from picking on himCredit: InstagramLewis in 2017 when he earned £24m a year with MercedesCredit: AlamyNicolas set a personal best last year, placing sixth in a BTCC raceCredit: AlamySimilarly, his parents instilled resilience, regularly telling him to “brush yourself off” after falls while walking and encouraging him to be independent and strong. Legs ‘like mush’At 16 years old, Nicolas’ life changed forever after a rude interaction in 2008 that encouraged him to work even harder than before to no longer need to use his wheelchair. He was travelling abroad to watch Lewis in a race with his mum when a lady at an airport check-in counter, refused to address him directly and instead spoke to his mum.“She just asked my mum whether I needed assistance or help,” Nicolas recalled during an interview with The Independent last year. Lewis has never put a penny into my motorsportNicolas“I had all the hormones of a teenager wanting to be a man. I was growing a beard. I wanted to talk to girls and go to the pub.“But I’d become lazy and I was in a wheelchair because it was easier for me. It was hard work to walk around. “Able-bodied people weren’t looking at me in the way I wanted to be perceived. That was when I got out of my wheelchair. And I haven’t been back in.”Nicolas starting regular strength training and physio to help him walk – despite it causing neck, back, pelvic and muscular pain – and says before his legs “were like mush”. He told The Times: “Pain will always be a part of my day. I do not take anything for it. I learn to deal with it.”At 16, Nicolas says his legs were ‘like mush’ but now he can walk unaided and no longer uses his wheelchairCredit: GettyHe’s focused on motivational speaking alongside his racing careerCredit: InstagramLewis celebrating with Nicolas at the Brazilian F1 Grand Prix back in 2008Credit: Getty’Bankrolled’ furyNicolas was encouraged to go into racing by his brother at 18 after noticing he was “good on a simulator” and says he “planted the seed in my mind”.In 2011, he made his racing debut at the Renault Clio Cup in a modified car and four years later, became the first disabled driver to compete in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC). Despite his personal achievements, Nicolas has regularly been compared to his famous brother including after a near-fatal crash in 2011 after he hit a tyre barrier at 100mph on the racecourse at Thruxton Circuit, in Hampshire.While being pulled out of the car, which had smoke coming from the bonnet and engine, he recalls a marshal telling him: “Oh dear, Lewis isn’t going to be impressed with this, is he?”Nicolas, who described it as “the most insensitive comment”, added: “Even at my most vulnerable moment, when I was in the midst of experiencing the scariest, closest-to-death moment of my life, people will still compare me with him.” It has been really hard being related to Lewis and trying to carve my own career in motorsportNicolasIn April last year, Nicolas recorded his best finish to date – sixth place during a BTCC race at Donnington Park – which helped to silence the critics who said he was only driving because of his famous brother. “To come across the line with that result, after everything I’ve been through – best day of my life,” he said. “To finally shut the critics up on 23 April was the best thing I could ever wish for. It was a load of relief and a lot of weight off my shoulders.”Nicolas has faced nepotism comments, online trolling and bullying throughout his racing career due to beliefs that his famous sibling helped him financially or with connections. Last year, he defiantly stated: “Lewis has never put a penny into my motorsport.” And has since addressed it in his memoir. Nicolas’s memoir Now That I Have Your Attention comes out this monthCredit: InstagramHe described Lewis as ‘the best human being to ever sit behind the steering wheel of a car’Credit: GettyHe wrote: “I know pretty much everyone presumes that Lewis bankrolls me in my motorsport career, that he pays for everything and provides endless opportunities because of his wealth and success in the sport, but it’s just not true; it is also something that I would never want or accept.”Nicolas revealed his father Anthony financially supported his first season as a driver but since then, he has had to find the funds himself.To do so, the 32-year-old has taken on a number of jobs including working for racing video games companies, where he spends up to eight hours analysing virtual cars.Nicolas is also a public speaker – working for nine different UK agencies – and has other one-off gigs including representing MGM as an ambassador at last year’s Las Vegas Grand Prix.🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁 He remains passionate about racing and hopes to someday compete again after parting ways with Team Hard last year but first, he has to raise the money to compete. Nicolas explained: “I’d love to be back on the grid and I think I deserve to be but I’ve got to find half a million pounds.”Despite being compared to his F1 racing champion brother, whcih he calls “hard”, there is no sibling rivalry.Instead, Nicolas credits Lewis – who he describes as “the best human being to ever sit behind the steering wheel of a car” – as someone who helped to make him the man he is today. Nicolas adds: “He’s still a massive reason why I’m as strong as I am and why I’m out of my wheelchair. I’m still his No 1 fan…READ MORE SUN STORIES“But it has been really hard being related to Lewis and trying to carve my own career in motorsport.”Nicolas Hamilton’s memoir, Now That I Have Your Attention: 7 Lessons In Leading A Life Bigger Than They Expect, comes out on April 11 and is available to preorder. More