Lewis Hamilton Opens Up About Mental Health Struggles

 

Formula One racing champion Lewis Hamilton has shared his ongoing battles with mental health, attributing much of his struggle to the pressures of motor racing and experiences of bullying during his school years. In an interview with the Sunday Times, the seven-time world champion revealed that he has dealt with depression since his teenage years.

At 39 years old, Hamilton reflected on “really difficult phases” in his twenties, expressing that the combined weight of bullying and the demands of racing significantly affected his mental well-being. The British driver, who has mixed-race parents, has also spoken previously about experiencing racism while growing up in Stevenage.

“I’ve struggled with mental health throughout my life,” Hamilton stated. “From a very early age, when I was about 13, I dealt with depression. I think it was the pressure of racing and struggling at school that contributed to it. The bullying left me feeling like I had no one to talk to.”

When asked if he has sought professional help, Hamilton admitted he spoke to a therapist years ago but found it unhelpful. He expressed a desire to find someone to talk to now.

As Hamilton prepares to transition to Ferrari at the end of the season, following a successful 12-year run with Mercedes, he noted that he feels “in a good place, physically and mentally.”

Looking ahead, Hamilton acknowledged the possibility of starting a family, saying, “One day, I wouldn’t be able to do what I do to the level that I do it today with that. There will be a time and a place for it, and I can’t wait for that part. But right now I have some work to do.”