Nicolas Hamilton Interview
you into? Are there any you want to
take up?
The thing is, my legs affect me in so
many different ways. What I’d love to
do is ride a motocross bike. I want
to try and put my mind into different
sports and show people that I don’t
just race race-cars, I could achieve
goals in loads of different things. I’d
love to take up new things. I always
try things once, even if it doesn’t work
out or I struggle, it’s just about taking
that opportunity and seeing what
you can do with it. Ten years ago,
if you were to tell me I’d be sitting
here with my car behind me, having
achieved what I’ve achieved already, I
would have never thought that would
have been possible. You never know
what you can achieve when you try
something new
What modifications are in your
Clio?
The coolest thing about my Clio is
that it’s a car that we haven’t modified
at all in terms of the pedals. That’s a
big thing for us. Normally for every car
that I drive, the team have to modify it
quite severely. But because the pedal
box was almost coming from the
bulkhead – roof hinged, and not from
the floor – it really benefited my legs
so I didn’t have to change much with
the pedals. I’ve got a hand clutch on
the steering wheel – but that’s about it
really. Pretty simple!
Have you got any circuits you are
particularly looking forward to?
My first race is this weekend at Oulton
Park. I haven’t actually driven there
for five years I’ve missed the circuit
to be honest – it’s a great place to
race and will be a great place to
debut at. There’s not much room for
error; if you make a mistake you’re
in the wall. It’s very undulating; lots
of bumps and dips. I’m really looking
forward to Snetterton too. It’s got its
own Hamilton corner – which wasn’t
named after me, but we’ll say it was!
And then there’s Brands Hatch GP at
the end of the year, which was where I
had my best result in 2011 and 2012 –
so there’s lots to look forward to.
What’s your main focus for the rest
of the year?
Development. I’ve put myself in this
position to get my own sponsors and
my own funding. My parents and my
brother especially aren’t involved.
I sat in my car today thinking “well
done Nic, you’ve given yourself this
opportunity”. The rest of the year, I’m
just going to focus on developing as a
driver. I’m not going to be setting the
world alight or get podium in my first
race. For me, it’s a long term goal, a
long term process. I’ve developed a
lot as a driver being away from motor
sports. Coming back in, I’ve learned a
lot more. I’ve got no expectation, I’m
just going to see where I get and keep
pushing on from there into 2018.
Any final words?
One hundred percent I’ve got to say
a big thank you to Monster Energy for
the continuous support. I’ve worked
so hard to get this and I’m really
proud to be here. All my sponsors
have been very loyal. A massive thank
you to everyone who believes in me,
for putting their heart and soul into
my story, my journey and what I’m
about. Hopefully in the not so distant
future, you’ll see me standing on the
top step. t
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