Hamilton: “I Struggled with Depression Throughout My Life”
Lewis Hamilton candidly discussed his battles with depression and mental health throughout his life in an interview with The Sunday Times Style.
The seven-time world champion revealed that he has been struggling with mental health since his youth and first encountered depression at the age of 13.
Hamilton noted that coping with the pressures of racing and the challenges he faced in school was difficult, and he shared how he has managed through it all. “I went through tough times in my twenties. I have struggled with mental health throughout my life. Depression… It started at a very young age, I think when I was 13. The pressure of racing and the challenges I faced at school. Bullying… I had no one to talk to.”
“I spoke with a therapist years ago, but it wasn’t very helpful. I would love to find someone today.”
“You learn the things that are passed down from your family, you recognize these patterns, how you react to situations, how you can change them… Things that used to anger me don’t bother me now. I am much more mature.”
“Honestly, I feel healthier than ever. I’m in a really good place both physically and mentally. My reaction times are still faster than those of younger people. I believe I’m a better driver than I was at 22.”
“Back then, I was just young, energetic, and ruthless, but I had no finesse or balance. I didn’t know how to be a team player or a leader. Being a good racing driver is not just about being fast; it’s about being the most balanced.”
“When I look at legends, I see that the differences between them are small percentages. The entire package matters — what they represent, what they stand for? That’s what I focus on. I look at Ayrton Senna and Nelson Mandela, and I combine those two people to create the person I want to be.”
“I pray before every race, praying for everyone’s safety.”
When asked if he has a fear of death, Hamilton replied: “No, I’m not afraid. But we’re still going at crazy speeds. You have to take this seriously. That’s why I’m aware of the time I spend with my family, my mom, because nothing is guaranteed.”
Hamilton also highlighted the importance of having a female technical director for the upcoming F1 movie:
“I want to tell diverse stories. Movies changed my life; I’ve drawn so much inspiration from them.”
“Having [a female technical director] was important to me. I lived with my dad, but I was really raised by my two moms and my two sisters. I was surrounded by a lot of female energy, strong women. Most of the people on my team are women, and they run the show.”
