We are honoured to announce the winner of the AUTO PHOTO Awards 2025 Creative Impact Award, Nicolas Hamilton.

Nicolas’s career in motorsport is an incredible example of determination that has broadened representation and redefined expectations for athletes and enthusiasts alike. Not limiting his impact to those looking for a career behind the wheel, he’s also inspired the photographers who are reshaping how the industry is perceived. Through his advocacy, he’s motiviated others to pursue ambitions previously thought to be out of reach.

The AUTO PHOTO Creative Impact Award celebrates those whose influence extends beyond personal achievement. Nicolas’s work exemplifies that purpose, fostering new narratives, opportunities and perspectives across automotive culture. 

“Thank you so much for nominating me for this award. That is absolutely incredible! I greatly accept the Award and really look forward to being involved and a part of AUTO PHOTO.”

– Nicolas Hamilton

Born two months premature and diagnosed with Spastic Diplegia, a form of Cerebral Palsy (CP), Nicolas was given a sobering prognosis from the start: doctors said he may never walk.

In 2015, Nicolas made history as the first disabled athlete ever to compete in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), the pinnacle of British Motorsport and one of the most fiercely competitive racing series in the world. In 2020, he broke another barrier by becoming the first disabled athlete to score championship points in BTCC history and in 2023, he went further still, achieving a career-best 6th place finish at the Donington Park. A result that became a landmark moment for disabled representation in motorsport.

As well as his motorsport career, Nicolas is an accomplished professional keynote speaker who has spent the past 13 years on the global speaking circuit, sharing his powerful story, journey and voice with some of the world’s biggest organisations.

As the recipient of this year’s Creative Impact Award, Nicolas will be joining our judging panel for AUTO PHOTO Awards 2026 and selecting the winner of the Nicolas Hamilton Award.