Mental health, Lewis Hamilton breaks a new taboo: "It all started at 13"

09/30/2024 03:20 AM

Future Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton has revisited a topic close to his heart: mental health, which he has struggled with since he was a kid. In a lengthy interview with the Sunday Times, the seven-time world champion recounted the challenging beginnings of his karting career that led him to sink into a very delicate phase of his life.

With 201 podiums and 105 victories, the Brit is one of the most successful drivers in Formula 1 history. After debuting in the top class in 2007, Lewis Hamilton won the first of his seven titles the following year.

Yet for the multi-champion, born in ’85, life has been very tough. The Mercedes driver was a victim of racism during his childhood in Stevenage, which led him to experience mental health issues at a young age.

“When I was twenty, I faced very difficult phases. I have struggled with mental health my whole life,” Lewis Hamilton confided in a recent interview for the Sunday Times – “I suffered from depression. Since I was very young, around 13. I think it stemmed from the pressure of racing and difficulties at school. Bullying. I had no one to talk to.” – he pointed out.

Even today, Lewis Hamilton does not hide that he still suffers. “I spoke to a woman years ago, but it wasn’t very helpful,” he responded when asked if he had ever thought of consulting a psychologist. “I would like to find someone today.”

Throughout his life and career, the 39-year-old Brit has gained new insights and learned to leave everything behind. “You learn things that have been passed down from your parents. You notice there are patterns, you see how you react and how you can change them,” he explained “So what might have made me angry in the past, today does not anger me. I am much more refined.” – the future Ferrari driver concluded.

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