Nicolas Hamilton, the brother of Ferrari F1 driver Lewis Hamilton, is uncertain about continuing his 2025 British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) season after his car caught fire during last weekend’s race at Silverstone. The incident occurred during the first of three races at the event, raising questions about his participation in the upcoming finale at Brands Hatch.
Nicolas Hamilton Endures Fiery Incident at Silverstone
While competing at Silverstone, smoke began to emerge from beneath Nicolas Hamilton’s SEAT Cupra Leon. Despite living with cerebral palsy, the 33-year-old driver was able to stop his vehicle safely on the Wellington Straight and exit before flames engulfed the car. This race was the second to last round of the BTCC season, with the final scheduled for October 4-5 at Brands Hatch.
Following the incident, Hamilton posted on social media about the uncertain status of his season. He expressed his calmness during the ordeal and pride in how he handled the situation while prioritizing his safety. He also thanked fans, family, and sponsors for supporting his racing journey throughout the year.
I personally feel I have been driving the best I EVER have driven in the BTCC to date & I am so proud of my progress this year.
— Nicolas Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton’s Support and Context of the Season
Lewis Hamilton, who was attending the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku at the time of his brother’s accident, has not publicly commented on Nicolas’s crash. The seven-time F1 World Champion has shown keen interest in his sibling’s career, including an undercover visit to watch Nicolas race at Donington Park in April 2023.
Nicolas made his return to BTCC competition in 2025 after missing the entire 2024 season. However, he has yet to score any points this year. The incident at Silverstone adds uncertainty to whether he will compete in the closing round at Brands Hatch, which could impact his efforts to finish the season strongly.
Potential Implications for the Remaining BTCC Season
The crash and subsequent fire raise serious questions about Nicolas Hamilton’s ability to participate in the season finale. While he remains hopeful about racing at Brands Hatch, the damage caused and recovery needs could prevent his continued involvement. This development is significant given his visible improvement and personal milestones during the current season.
The BTCC community and Hamilton’s supporters are awaiting further updates ahead of the October weekend as his team assesses the situation and car repairs. The outcome will influence not only Nicolas’s career this year but also the broader championship narrative during the crucial final stage.
