Lewis Hamilton took to Instagram to pay tribute to a young fan who tragically passed away from a brain tumour. The Mercedes star met Isla at this year's Spanish Grand Prix when she was just five and had been told she was terminally ill. He was able to see her again at the British Grand Prix in Silverstone and they shared a warm embrace.
But after receiving the news that the little girl had died, Hamilton posted an emotional message on his Instagram story. "Devastated to hear about Isla's passing,” the grieving star wrote. "Meeting this little girl and her family at Silverstone was powerful and moving, she was a fighter and an inspiration to us all. Her memory will be with me always."
Struggling to cope with the news, the seven-time F1 world champion added: "I can't stop thinking about Isla. This beautiful little spirit brought so much love into my life, her hugs and support meant the world to me. I can't believe she's gone and I won't get to hug her again. Life is not fair.
"My deepest condolences to her family, I can't imagine how had a time this is but please know how many people loved her and especially me." Isla’s mum Stephanie Manning, shared her own tribute to her daughter on the popular social media platform.
“Our Beautiful baby girl peacefully passed away yesterday, surrounded by her Mummy, Daddy, her favourite monkeys & her Guinea pigs,” she wrote. “Words cannot possibly describe the pain we feel & we will forever be heart broken. We could not be any prouder of how Isla has battled such an awful disease, she has been so incredibly strong & brave.
“Isla our princess, we love you more than anything in the world & we miss you so very much. Now is your time to be the brightest star in the sky." Hamilton crossed the line fifth at the Spanish Grand Prix, and took P3 in a thrilling British GP almost two months later.
At the time, Hamilton explained he had a difficult time concentrating as he was focused on the race after meeting one of his youngest fans. “Today at the track I had to work extra hard to focus. That’s because today I met a beautiful little girl Isla and her parents,” he said.
“She’s so full of light, her smile alone brought more happiness than I can put into words. I learned that Isla’s only five years old and terminally ill. It’s shattered my heart.
"Seeing her smile and strength is the greatest gift and I just want to thank Isla and her parents for sharing that with me. I cannot wait to see you at Silverstone and give you a hug and thank you in person. I’m going to give everything tomorrow and the rest of this season for you, Isla.”
