Nicolas Hamilton announces major career move with team VERTU for 2026 BTCC season

Nicolas Hamilton secures landmark 2026 drive

Nicolas Hamilton has described the latest step in his racing journey as the "biggest announcement" of his motorsport career, confirming he will join the reigning British Touring Car champions for the 2026 season.

Across his time in the championship — which began with four rounds in 2019 — Hamilton has scored points on two occasions, achieving a career-best finish of sixth place at Donington Park in 2023.

A new chapter with the reigning champions

For 2026, Hamilton will race with Team VERTU, the current name for EXCELR8 Motorsport. The team enters the season as the defending champions, marking a significant opportunity in Hamilton’s touring car career.

He will drive a Hyundai i30 Fastback N Performance, backed by sponsorship from Draper Tools.

The move places Hamilton alongside a formidable driver line-up. His team-mates include reigning series champion Tom Ingram, Ricky Collard, and Tom Chilton — brother of former F1 and IndyCar racer Max Chilton — who has claimed 18 victories in the series.

Throughout his BTCC tenure, Hamilton has demonstrated versatility, racing a variety of machinery including Seat Leons, Volkswagens, Ford Focuses and an Audi S3 Saloon. The switch to Team VERTU and its championship-winning structure signals a fresh phase in his career within one of Britain’s most competitive racing categories.

Hamilton confirmed the deal via social media, sharing his excitement about the 2026 programme as he prepares for what he regards as the defining move of his time in motorsport.