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Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has revealed his long-standing battle with depression, shedding light on the mental health challenges he's faced throughout his illustrious career. In a candid interview with The Sunday Times, the 39-year-old British racing driver spoke about grappling with depression from an early age and the pressures that contributed to his struggles.
Hamilton disclosed that his mental health issues began around the age of 13, stemming from a combination of factors. "I think it was the pressure of the racing and struggling at school. The bullying," he explained. "I had no one to talk to." The decorated athlete, who made his Formula 1 debut in 2007 at 21, becoming the first Black driver in the series, admitted to experiencing "some really difficult phases" in his twenties as well.
The Mercedes driver's revelations come at a pivotal moment in his career, as he prepares to join Scuderia Ferrari in 2025 on a multi-year contract. Reflecting on this major transition, Hamilton described it as a "rollercoaster of emotions," expressing both excitement and trepidation about the move.
Throughout his journey, Hamilton has explored various avenues to improve his mental well-being. He mentioned attending silent retreats and reading self-help books like "The 5 Love Languages" by Gary Chapman. While a previous attempt at therapy wasn't particularly helpful, Hamilton expressed interest in finding a therapist in the future.
The British racer emphasized how his approach to managing emotions has evolved over time. "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 stated. "So what might have angered me in the past doesn't anger me today. I am so much more refined."
Hamilton's openness about his mental health struggles aligns with a growing trend of high-profile athletes speaking out on the subject. His revelations highlight the intense pressures faced by professional athletes, even at the pinnacle of their sports.
As Hamilton prepares for the next phase of his career with Ferrari, set to begin in March 2025, he continues to navigate the challenges of maintaining mental health in the high-stakes world of Formula 1. His story serves as a reminder that success and internal struggles often coexist, even for those at the top of their game.
With the 2024 F1 season underway and Hamilton currently sitting sixth in the championship standings, all eyes will be on how the British driver manages both his on-track performance and off-track well-being in the coming months.
