FORMULA One legend Lewis Hamilton talked all things racing and gaming with a delighted teenager, who even gave his number to the world champion driver.

Billericay’s George Shippey, who lives with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and can no longer walk, spoke at length with Hamilton over Zoom, just hours before the Monaco Grand Prix.

The 13-year-old, who was supposed to be taken by Mercedes to the historic race at the weekend, even asked Hamilton for a spin at Mercedes Benz World in Surrey.

The Brit finished seventh in the race but continues to fight Max Verstappen for the world title.

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The plan to take George to the Grand Prix was halted because of Covid restrictions, and the lack of wheelchair access in Monte Carlo.

George lost the ability to walk earlier this year.

His mum, Kerry, said: “It was really special. It made me so proud. George and his brother Jack spent so much time preparing their questions for Lewis.

“They spoke with Lewis for half an hour, it was really great.

“It was such a shame they weren’t able to be get out there. George would have loved it.

“You would think Lewis’ favourite computer game was Formula One, but it was actually Call of Duty. George actually prefers Fortnite.

The Zoom call with Lewis, and a separate chat with his Finnish teammate Valteri Bottas, was a great “pick me up” for the family, after their “year of hell” in the Covid pandemic.

The family, have been trying to overhaul their home, to accommodate for George’s needs, but Covid has delayed the project.

Mrs Shippey, who had Covid last year, added: “George loves his racing, it really couldn’t have come at a better time.

“It really lifted his spirits, he’s in a lot of pain at the moment.

“They were given a tour of the Mercedes garage and their accommodation. It was absolutely enormous.

“They could see the track and the Monaco views.”

George’s rehabilitating muscular condition gives him a shorter life expectancy than most adults.

The cancelled trip to Monaco and the Zoom was made possible through the charity Starlight Children’s Foundation, who brighten the lives of seriously ill children.