JUST IN: ‘I had no one to talk to’: Lewis Hamilton opens up about long battle with…read more.
‘I had no one to talk to’: Lewis Hamilton opens up about long battle with…read more.
PARIS, Sept 30 — Seven-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton has revealed that he has struggled with depression for much of his life, dating back to his early years. In an interview with The Times, the 39-year-old racing legend opened up about the pressures he faced both on and off the track, as well as his experiences with bullying at school and his ongoing mental health challenges as an adult.
Hamilton, who began racing competitively at just six years old, spoke candidly about how these pressures shaped his mental health from a young age. He acknowledged that his intense pursuit of a career in motorsports, combined with the bullying he endured during his school years, contributed significantly to his struggles with depression.
“I think it was the pressure of the racing and struggling at school. The bullying. I had no one to talk to,” Hamilton explained in the interview, which was published on Saturday. He reflected on how difficult it was for him to find someone to confide in as a young person navigating the challenges of both his sport and his personal life.
According to Hamilton, his mental health struggles began as early as age 13, but they persisted well into adulthood. He described going through particularly difficult periods in his twenties, a time when he was already competing at the highest levels of motorsport.
“I’ve struggled with mental health throughout my life, depression from a very early age… when I was, like, 13… when I was in my twenties I had some really difficult phases,” Hamilton said.
Hamilton’s journey to Formula One stardom began in 2007 when he made his debut at the age of 21, becoming the first Black driver to compete in the prestigious racing series. The following year, he captured his first world championship, and in 2020, he equaled Michael Schumacher’s record of seven world championships, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest drivers in the sport’s history.
Despite his success on the track, Hamilton said his early career was marked by emotional turmoil and personal struggles. He described how he has spent years learning to cope with his mental health challenges, and how maturity has helped him to navigate difficult emotions in a more constructive way.
“You’re learning about things that have been passed down to you from your parents, noticing those patterns, how you react to things, how you can change those,” Hamilton shared. He reflected on how he has evolved over time, noting that situations that once triggered feelings of anger or frustration no longer have the same effect on him today.
“So what might have angered me in the past doesn’t anger me today. I am so much more refined,” he said, emphasizing how personal growth and self-awareness have contributed to his improved mental well-being.
Hamilton also discussed his efforts to manage his mental health in more proactive ways. He has experimented with silent retreats as a form of therapy and mental rejuvenation, though he admitted that working with a therapist years ago was not helpful at the time. However, he expressed an openness to finding a therapist in the future, acknowledging that it is an ongoing process of finding the right support.
The British racing star, who currently drives for Mercedes, is expected to make a significant career move next year, with reports suggesting he will join Ferrari. Despite his high-profile status and numerous accolades, Hamilton remains focused on his personal development, striving to improve both on and off the track.
Currently, Hamilton is ranked sixth in the Formula One championship standings, with the next race scheduled to take place in Austin, Texas, next month. While his position in the championship reflects a competitive season, Hamilton’s personal reflections underscore that, for him, success goes beyond racing achievements. His openness about mental health highlights the importance of addressing emotional struggles, even for those at the pinnacle of their careers.
Hamilton’s revelations come at a time when discussions around mental health in sports are becoming increasingly prevalent, as more athletes share their own stories of struggle and resilience. Hamilton’s honesty about his battles with depression and his efforts to seek balance offers a powerful reminder that mental health is a critical component of overall well-being, no matter one’s level of success or fame. — Reuters
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