Lewis Hamilton, a Seven-time Formula 1 champion (and one of the most successful champions in motor racing), has candidly shared his long history of battles with depression; a struggle that began in the early teenage years of his life. In a recent interview with The Times, Hamilton reflected on how bullying during his school years and the immense pressures of a career in motor racing combined forces to besiege his mental health and wellness.
Early Struggles
Hamilton, now 39 years old, disclosed in an honest discussion that he first began to experience depression at around 13 years of age. "I think it was the pressure of the racing and struggling at school. The bullying. I had no one to talk to," he explained.
Despite achieving remarkable success—matching Michael Schumacher's record of seven world titles and winning 105 races—Hamilton has consistently faced significant emotional hurdles throughout his life.
Coping Mechanisms
These battles did not meet a sitting duck, however. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Hamilton decided to take on a new routine aimed at improving his mental well-being. He began to wake up at 5 AM to engage in a select series of meditation and physical exercise, which he described as “a really great way of getting in touch with myself.”
The meditation exercises include self-reflections that have allowed him to process his emotions more effectively. "What might have angered me in the past doesn't anger me today," he noted, indicating his transition into a newfound maturity.
Seeking Help
While Lewis Hamilton has affirmed previous speaking sessions with a therapist, he unfortunately found that experience largely unhelpful, and expressed a desire to find a more suitable professional moving forward. “I would like to find someone to talk to now,” he said, highlighting the importance of mental health support for athletes.
The Impact of Hardship on Hamilton's Career
Hamilton revealed that his dark experiences were compounded by his peculiar background; growing up in a racially mixed family in Stevenage made him an open target for bullying and racism. But these early experiences might just have shaped his perspective on mental health and resilience in a high-pressure environment like Formula.
Considering the contrast of his career successes with his inner struggles, and comparing them with his resilience through a tough, winless streak from 2021 to 2023, we can see a repeated pattern of resilience even in the face of self-doubt and identity crisis.
A Champion's Legacy
As he prepares to transition from Mercedes to Ferrari in 2025, Lewis Hamilton remains focused on both his racing career as well as his personal growth. Currently sixth in the championship standings, the longtime motor sport champion continues to remain a source of inspiration to many by sharing his vulnerabilities alongside his triumphs in motor racing.
In an industry popularly known for—and characterized by—toughness and stoicism, Hamilton’s open and candid admissions about his battles with depression serves as a crucial reminder to us all that even champions face personal battles. His unique journey emphasizes the need for more attention on mental health in sports. His story also encourages others to be open about their challenges, and seek help when necessary.
By shedding light on his struggles, Hamilton has not only opened eyes to the human aspect in the world of motor racing, but also paves the way for long overdue conversations touching the matter of mental health; something that is often overlooked in high-stakes environments. More sport updates are available on our site.