Race and classic pictures

Nicolas Hamilton gets Mercedes sim run at Brackley

Flanked by his big brother who made it happen, Nicolas Hamilton crossed off from his bucket list recently a full day of running in Mercedes' F1 simulator at Brackley.

A racer in his own right, Nic has been competing since 2011, racing in various national series over the years but mainly in the Renault Clio Cup UK and in the British Touring Car Championship.

It's never been an easy task however for the now 30-year-old who suffers from cerebral palsy – a disorder that affects a person's ability to move and maintain balance and posture – which required specially-modified cars and controls.

Lewis Hamilton posted on social media a short account of his brother's memorable day, insisting that Nic was the first disabled person to undertake a run in Mercedes' sim.

"Earlier this year @nicolashamilton and I asked my team if we could make this day happen and here we are," wrote the seven-time F1 world champion.

"Time in the sim is incredibly rare, and not something that is accessible for someone like my brother. It took custom modifications to the seat, steering wheel and pedals to make this possible.

"He spent the whole day in it, and is the first disabled person to ever do so. He’s always been a fighter and seeing him have this day is an honour.

"The smile you see here never left his face. Can’t wait to share more of this special day, thank you @mercedesamgf1 for the time and work put in to make this possible and make my brother’s dream come true."

As Lewis wrote, Nic's radiant smile never left his face…

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

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