F1 champion Hamilton reveals lifelong battle with depression

Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool

Lewis Hamilton's struggle with depression: a journey from childhood to Formula 1 stardom.

Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has opened up about his long-term battle with depression, revealing that it began at an early age. In an exclusive interview with The Times, Hamilton discussed the mental health challenges he has faced throughout his illustrious career, from his early days in karting to the global spotlight of Formula 1.

Hamilton, who started racing competitively at the age of six, attributed some of his struggles to the immense pressure of pursuing a career in motor racing, compounded by bullying at school. He shared, "I think it was the pressure of the racing and struggling at school. The bullying. I had no one to talk to."

Reflecting on his teenage years, Hamilton admitted, "I've struggled with mental health through 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."

Having made his Formula 1 debut in 2007 at just 21 years old, Hamilton quickly rose to prominence as the sport's first Black driver. He clinched his first championship the following year and has since equaled Michael Schumacher's record of seven titles in 2020. Despite his successes on the track, Hamilton acknowledges that these victories did not come without personal challenges.

The British driver noted his personal growth over the years, stating, "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." He expressed, "So what might have angered me in the past doesn't anger me today. I am so much more refined."

In his quest for better mental well-being, Hamilton has experimented with silent retreats and expressed a desire to find a suitable therapist in the future, despite previous attempts being unhelpful.

Currently with Mercedes, Hamilton is expected to join the iconic Ferrari team next year. He currently ranks sixth in this season's championship standings, with an exciting race scheduled in Austin next month. As he continues to navigate the complexities of life both on and off the track, Hamilton's candid discussion helps bring attention to the critical issue of mental health in sports.

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