Lewis Hamilton was a proud spectator as younger half-brother Nicolas made his motor racing debut in a junior saloon car series at Brands Hatch at the weekend.
The 19-year-old rookie, who has had to overcome cerebral palsy to make his way to the starting grid, finished last on the track in both his Renault Clio Cup races over the weekend but with competitive lap times.
“Today was only my seventh time in the car and I was less than a second off the fastest driver,” he told reporters after being classified 15th of the 17 starters in Sunday’s race. He was 12th on Saturday.
“If you took someone off the street and put them in my shoes they’d be hard pressed to do a better job,” he said.
McLaren’s 2008 Formula One world champion Lewis was determined not to miss out and flew back from Malaysia, a round trip of some 21,000km, where he is preparing for this weekend’s second Grand Prix of the season.
“I can’t imagine how proud my dad is, but I am just incredibly proud. I was just smiling the whole way through the race,” the Formula One driver said.
Father Anthony Hamilton, who manages Scottish rookie Paul di Resta in Formula One, had flown back to Britain after the season-opening Australian Grand Prix to be at the race.
Nicolas said just being on the track was a great achievement.
“When I’m in the car it’s just me. I’m on my own and I have to get on with it,” he said. “At the moment I’m not worried about position as I’m racing against people with far more experience than me.”
“The car’s in one piece, I didn’t make a fool of myself, I’m glad people understand that I’m a novice. My mountain is steep, but to go from 4.5 seconds [in testing] to 0.9 seconds off the pace [in the race] is pretty good,” he said.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely