In his new book ‘Now that I Have Your Attention’, 32-year-old Nicolas Hamilton, brother of renowned Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton, openly discusses the extent of his gambling problem. This not only put his financial stability at risk, but also led him to face severe depression and consider suicide.
Nicolas reveals in his book that he was forced to sell a Mercedes C63, a gift from Lewis, to pay off a tax debt resulting from his severe gambling addiction. The luxury vehicle was a sincere gesture from Lewis, who wanted to show his gratitude for Nicolas’ support amidst his own brilliant career, which includes six world championships with Mercedes.
At 32, Nicolas dives candidly into the depths of his gambling problem in his book. This addiction not only jeopardized his financial security, but also plunged him into a state of deep depression and thoughts of taking his own life. He expresses remorse for using the Mercedes gift to pay his tax bill, feeling like he had essentially stolen money from his brother and struggling to forgive himself for it.
His battle against gambling became a devastating cycle of chasing losses, which he describes as completely destructive. “It completely destroyed me,” he admits. “It was a wake-up call. I had lost everything and had no way to move forward. I felt trapped. There were moments when I stood on the balcony of my apartment, contemplating jumping.”
In an interview with The Times, Nicolas further explains the compulsive nature of his addiction, stating: “I always wanted more wins, and not even losses discouraged me. It just kept me trapped in a vicious cycle. I couldn’t stop thinking about it; I just wanted to get back to my computer.”
Despite his struggles, Nicolas, who lives with cerebral palsy, achieved significant success in the British Touring Car Championship. He achieved his best career placement, finishing in sixth place at Donnington Park. His love for motorsport, shared with his brother, remained a vital part of his life even in the midst of his personal battles.
Reluctant to burden his family with his problems, Nicolas sought external support and found comfort and guidance through conversations with the Samaritans helpline. With their help and his own determination, he was able to overcome his dependency. His story not only sheds light on his personal struggles, but also draws attention to the often invisible challenges faced by people living in the shadow of famous family members.
