UK

Lewis Hamilton has said he has struggled with his mental health “for much of his life”, and blames the pressure of motor racing and bullying that he suffered at school.

Hamilton, 39, is one of the most successful Formula One (F1) drivers in history, having won a joint-record seven world titles.

The racer, who was born in Stevenage, has won more F1 races (105) than anyone else and also holds the records for most pole positions (104), and podium (top three) finishes (201).

Image:
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton during the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. File pic: PA

But despite his career successes, he told The Sunday Times he had “some really difficult phases” during his 20s, admitting he has “struggled with mental health through my life”.

“[I’ve had] depression. From a very early age, when I was, like, 13. I think it was the pressure of the racing and struggling at school. The bullying. I had no one to talk to,” he said.

His life changed, he revealed, during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, when, following a period of soul-searching, he began waking up at 5am to meditate before going for a run.

Despite initially struggling to find peace, he said the new routine was “a really great way of getting in touch with myself, my inner feelings, understanding what I can do”.

More on Formula 1

Asked if he has ever seen a therapist, Hamilton replied: “I spoke to one woman, years ago, but that wasn’t really helpful. I would like to find someone today.”

Image:
Lewis Hamilton celebrates winning the British Grand Prix. Pic: PA

Hamilton, who earlier this season became the oldest driver to win a Formula One race in the 21st century, will not add to his tally of championship titles this year.

Read more:
Eating disorders rising among students

How to beat the ‘Sunday scaries’
Mother blames ‘unfit’ mental health services for daughter’s death

With six races remaining, the Mercedes driver is sixth in the standings but trails the championship leader, Max Verstappen, by 157 points with only 150 left to win.

He will move to Ferrari at the end of this season after 12 years with Mercedes.

Articles You May Like

Toyota and Subaru plan another global electric SUV to join bZ4X, Solterra
Trump jokes about being shot as he meets couple whose son died in Afghanistan
King Charles leads tributes to ‘monumental figure’ of UK politics
Manchester United defender undergoes minor heart procedure
Microsoft announces new AI tools to help ease workload for doctors and nurses