Photo: BTCC

Nicolas Hamilton joins EXCELR8 Motorsport for 2026 season

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Nicolas Hamilton will once again line up on the British Touring Car Championship grid this year after agreeing a deal with EXCELR8 Motorsport.

Joining Tom Ingram and Tom Chilton at the reigning Manufacturers’/Constructors’ champions, the 33-year-old will drive a Hyundai i30 Fastback N for what will be his eighth campaign in the UK’s premier motorsport series.

Hamilton, who has cerebral palsy, has made a total of 160 starts in the BTCC, with a best result of sixth place coming at Donington Park in 2023.

After a season-and-a-half sabbatical, Hamilton made a return to the grid with Un-Limited Motorsport in a Cupra Leon last year. Now, he makes the step up to one of the most sought-after seats in the BTCC.

“I am incredibly proud to be joining such a strong outfit in Team VERTU and EXCELR8 for this season as throughout my career, I have struggled for funding and budget, which meant I found myself in less competitive equipment,” said Hamilton.

“Thanks to my 2026 partners and the team’s long standing partner Draper Tools, I can now step into a more competitive package, and that is a really special and exciting moment for me.

“I have worked harder than ever over the winter to build my strength and fitness to improve my disability and I will be giving absolutely everything I can to be as competitive as possible. A big thank you to Antony, Justina, and everyone at EXCELR8 for this incredible opportunity.”

Justina Williams, EXCELR8 Team Owner, added: “We are delighted to welcome Nicolas into our team for the 2026 season, and to have him at the wheel of our Draper Tools car.

“The way Nicolas has battled against the odds to achieve his dream of competing on track despite his disability is well documented, and he is an inspiration to many for the way he has never given up on that dream.

“We feel we can give Nicolas the tools to really show what he can do this season and are looking forward to working with him to reach his goals during the year ahead, one of which is to stand on the BTCC podium with the team. We’ll be working hard with him to make that happen!”