Lewis Hamilton Opens Up About Long Struggle with Depression and Mental Health
Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has revealed that he has been battling with depression since he was a teen. In an interview with The Times, Hamilton, now 39, shared that racing from a young age, combined with his experiences at school, contributed to his mental health struggles.
"I think it was the pressure of the racing and struggling at school. The bullying. I had no one to talk to," Hamilton said.
Despite his immense success in Formula One, including a record-tying seven world championships, Hamilton admits that mental health has been a continuous challenge.
"I’ve struggled with mental health through my life," he revealed. "Depression from a very early age when I was, like, 13... when I was in my twenties I had some really difficult phases."
Hamilton shares what he does to maintain mental wellness
Hamilton credits his recent efforts to maintain mental wellness to practices he began during the COVID-19 pandemic. He shared that he now starts his day by waking up at 5 a.m. for meditation, followed by a run.
“It’s a great way of getting in touch with myself, my inner feelings — understanding what I can do,” he explained.
He has also tried silent retreats, though he acknowledged that finding a good therapist remains a challenge.
The Mercedes driver, who is set to join Ferrari next season after 12 years with the team, noted that while he once struggled to calm his mind, he feels more refined and mature today.
“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 said.
Mental health among athletes becomes bigger conversation
Hamilton’s candid discussion of his mental health comes at a time when conversations around athlete wellness are becoming more prominent. While his racing achievements have cemented him as one of the greatest Formula One drivers of all time, with records for most race wins and pole positions, he has consistently emphasised the importance of self-care and balance outside of the sport.
Currently, Hamilton is in sixth place in the championship standings, trailing the leader Max Verstappen. Though this year’s title is out of reach, Hamilton’s focus on personal growth and mental well-being signals a different kind of victory.
As he looks ahead to a new chapter with Ferrari, Hamilton’s reflections on his mental health journey serve as a reminder that even the most successful individuals can face challenges with their mental health.
